611.4131/431
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Assistant Secretary of State (Sayre)
| Participants: | Sir Ronald Lindsay, the British Ambassador, Secretary Hull, and Mr. Sayre. |
The British Ambassador came to call at the request of the Secretary at 10:30 this morning. At the opening of the conversation, the Secretary handed to the Ambassador a memorandum for the British Government, a copy of which is attached hereto.86 The Secretary said that we had given months of earnest work to make possible the conclusion of a British trade agreement and he also recognized and appreciated the similar earnest and sincere activities of the Ambassador in the same direction. The Ambassador then read the memorandum stating that the United States Government is prepared, on the assumption expressed in the memorandum, to make immediate announcement of contemplated negotiations. The Ambassador, upon reading this memorandum, was visibly moved—immense relief and satisfaction was written all over his face. After felicitations on both sides, it was explained to the Ambassador, as stated in the memorandum, that the proposals contained in the United Kingdom’s memorandum of November fifth with respect to concessions on the so-called [Page 84] “must list” were not satisfactory and that the United States must expect substantial improvement in some of the concessions stated in the list. Nevertheless, we realize that time is of the essence; unless negotiations are promptly initiated, various circumstances will make difficult, if not impossible, the conclusion of any agreement. The United States is therefore prepared to make public announcement of the contemplation of negotiations at once and leave to the stage of definitive negotiations the bettering of the concessions indicated in the British memorandum of November fifth. The Ambassador replied that he quite understood and was happy that we had reached that conclusion.
The time of making the contemplated announcement was next discussed. It was suggested that an auspicious date might be next Monday, November twenty-second, in as much as on that day will probably come announcements concerning the Brussels Conference.87 The Ambassador was informed that the American Government would be ready to make the announcement by next Monday or even earlier if desired by the British Government The question was raised as to whether, at the time of the announcement, it would be desirable for the British Prime Minister or the Secretary to comment on the political significance of the making of a trade agreement between the two countries. No definite conclusion was reached, although it was suggested that it might be more dignified and effective merely to announce the bare fact without comment.
The Secretary then went on to comment, at some length, upon the state of world affairs and the significance of the trade agreements program in connection therewith. The Secretary pointed out that the world is on fire and that unless those who share common desires to protect the precious things of our civilization stand together in some practical program, such as the trade agreements program, we may be too late. He went on to comment on the Brussels Conference, stating that in spite of superficial appearances, even if it should now break up, it has not been a failure. In the first place, it has brought the United States into consultation and possible cooperation with European countries, as has not been possible for many years. In the second place, it has given evidence that peace-abiding nations are not content to see law-breakers commit such acts of aggression, as Japan’s invasion of China, without speaking up and making known to the world their opinions and voicing the moral judgment of the world. In the third place, it has afforded an opportunity for exploring the possibility of effective, concerted action against Japan. Throughout the Secretary’s talk, the Ambassador listened intently and agreed with all that was said.
[Page 85]The Ambassador left, apparently deeply affected by the realization that we are at last close upon the consummation of what has been devoutly desired for so long.
- Infra.↩
- See vol. iv, pp. 155 ff.↩