500.A15 a 1/367: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 4—10 a.m.]
58. Department’s No. 26, July 2, 11 a.m. [p.m.]. The British have been informed by us already that we do not consider that the figures which they suggested constitute any real limitation and that unless they are willing to consider more reasonable figures we would be averse to concluding any agreement.
Concerning the demands for increased tonnage by the Canadian and Irish Governments, we would advise against asking their representatives in Washington for this information, as both Ministers very likely would feel that they should support any measure emanating [Page 70] from the British Government; we are obtaining this material here in a most casual manner and it is believed that our inquiries will be fruitful of more accurate figures than if formal inquiries were made by the Department in Washington.
While no objection is perceived to discussing the situation with the Japanese Ambassador in Washington, we cannot see where any particular advantage would be gained by such a course, as we are working here with the Japanese delegation on a basis of full and frank agreement.