500.A15A/144: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 12—2:53 p.m.]
406. From Davis. The British have been entirely absorbed this week in their conversations with the French. They are, however, now considering the draft of a possible joint statement which they intend shortly to take up with us. I have, therefore, considered it inadvisable to show them as yet the draft20 we had prepared.
I have no knowledge of the actual substance of the British draft but do not anticipate any material recessions at the present time from the basic position they have taken. It is possible that any joint statement acceptable to both parties will have to be couched in such vague terms as to amount to little more than a public indication that there has been no breakdown of the conversations and that they are later to be resumed. Although we shall press for a more substantial declaration, I think it would be a mistake for us to remain in London any longer in the hope of modifying the British attitude. I, therefore, propose to inform them that we intend to sail on the 19th. To leave by that date may entail certain difficulties, particularly because of time required for communicating with you and obtaining your approval to any statement, but the next American steamer does not leave until a week later; moreover, if the British really desire at this time a meeting of minds on a reasonable program we should be able to achieve it by the 19th. Failing this, we shall endeavor to discontinue the conversations until October with a statement in such general terms as can be mutually agreed upon. I am assuming, of course, that in the meantime a statement regarding the date of the conversations with Japan will have been issued which will give added justification for discontinuing our conversations here now.
In this connection the British Foreign Office has agreed to ask Japan for authorization to announce that the Japanese Government is willing to discuss fully technical naval questions but that it will be unable [Page 295] to do so until October although in the meanwhile the Japanese Ambassador here is prepared to discuss procedural questions.
Please instruct whether you approve of this course. [Davis.]