500.A4/96: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Harvey) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 4—4:44 p.m.]
643. As a result of debate on Navy estimates August 3d House of Commons passed appropriation of £11,845,600 in regard to their personnel, shipbuilding, etc., including program for four new capital ships. Amendment defeated by 346 votes to 34. Mr. Churchill in the House referring to the Washington conference quoted by press as follows:
“We must stand on our own feet and not risk being reduced at some time to have to supplement our strength by the strength of others. Only in that way would we be able at the Washington conference to play the part of a real peacemaker; only in that way to be able to walk hand in hand with the United States not as a suppliant for protection but as an equal partner in a common victory and an equal partner in the future of the world.”