500.A15A5/89: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Straus) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 15—12:47 p.m.]
442. From Norman Davis. As the Embassy in London has probably advised you the British Government desires to begin the naval conversations next Monday and to have the first meeting at 10 Downing Street at 10 o’clock. Atherton informed me of this by telephone [Page 258] this morning and that the Government had advised the Embassy that MacDonald, Sir Eyres-Monsell,66 Admiral Little and Craigie would represent the British and wished to know what four persons would represent the United States. Atherton therefore asked me who should go besides the Ambassador, Admiral Leigh and myself. I suggested that Atherton himself also go since he will match Craigie. Atherton also told me it was the Ambassador’s intention to attend this first meeting and then to drop out of the picture and wanted to know if that would be all right with me. I told him we would discuss that after my arrival in London.
As this meeting which the British are arranging will in spite of everything seem most formal and create considerable interest, I have decided after consultation with Bingham who agrees that it would be well for Pell67 to go over Sunday so as to be there and then perhaps return here shortly. Unless you therefore see objection I shall instruct Pell accordingly. Ambassador Straus agrees. I go to London tomorrow. [Davis.]