500.A15/211: Telegram

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Houghton ) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

74. Your telegram No. 52, April 8, 4 p.m. I talked with Chamberlain on his return late yesterday afternoon. He assumes that, after some general discussion, the Preparatory Commission will divide into subcommittees which will proceed simultaneously to take up the several parts of the agenda; and that until the subcommittees are ready to report there will be no full meeting.

As far as Permanent Military Commission is concerned, Chamberlain seems to agree that while representatives of other nations may wish to consult that body, there is no reason why the American delegates should consult it. Further, he thinks that if we are not willing that individual American citizens serve on Advisory Committee, that can also be easily arranged. He wishes, however, to consult with Lord Cecil and he asked me for an aide-mémoire which was given him.

The diplomatic correspondents of the Morning Post and the Daily Telegraph state that it is expected that Baltic states and Poland, with approval of France, will request postponement of Conference.

Houghton