500.A15A4/1108: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Mellon) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9—12:55 p.m.]
203. Since my telegram 198, June 8, 5 p.m., I have been able to assure myself from an informal Foreign Office conversation, and I have also advised Gibson by telephone in Geneva, that the purpose of my conversation of yesterday with Baldwin and Simon was thoroughly understood, and that Baldwin expressly emphasized his remarks in reply as set forth in my telegram not through any sense of irritation but that it might be a matter of record in the Department, (first), that no proposals had been advanced by a member of the British Government in the personal and useful exchange of ideas with Gibson and Davis, and, (secondly), that if and when the Cabinet reached any decision on disarmament proposals for formal presentation at Geneva which in any way affected the interests of the United States the British Government would officially though confidentially consult the United States Government beforehand.
I also learned that the Cabinet is discussing phases of the Disarmament Conference but no decision has been reached and indeed no agreement may even be arrived at before the Prime Minister and Simon leave on Saturday.
On Monday evening when the Prime Minister and Simon reach Geneva after the Herriot conversations in Paris, they plan to see Gibson and Davis that same evening should MacDonald’s health permit; otherwise they will hope to see them the first thing Tuesday [Page 161] morning. I was further assured that the Foreign Office had interpreted my seeing Baldwin and Simon as merely for purposes of safeguarding and appreciated and shared fully your desire to assure the fullest harmony.
Copy to Geneva.