572.F1/206: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to American Diplomatic Representatives in Mexico and Central and South America

Department sending delegation to Brussels for representation in International Telegraph Conference beginning there September 10. Proposals of majority of representatives of European Governments recommend changing maximum length of code word from ten letters to five letters and reducing charges by only 25 to 40 per cent. This will result in very considerable increase in costs of international communication for large code users throughout the world and American delegation is being instructed to endeavor to maintain status quo as regards method of counting words and rates. Department understands British and Canadian delegations will receive similar instructions.

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Bring foregoing informally to attention of Government to which you are accredited. Ascertain whether it will have representatives at the Brussels Conference and if so, endeavor to have similar instructions issued to them. Telegraph report.93

Castle
  1. Reports not printed.