863.51 Relief Credits/66: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Austria (Washburn)
18. Your 13, March 12, 6 p.m. Your explanations, together with those received from the Ambassador at London, sufficiently clarify situation to warrant forwarding to President recommendation that he ask Congress to grant to Secretary of the Treasury authority to subordinate lien. It is anticipated that legislation will be introduced within a few days, although naturally no formal commitment can be made until the President has acted. As stated in Department’s 15, February 21, 6 p.m., no assurance can be given in regard to action of Congress. Also of course the exercise of any authority Congress may grant will naturally be considered in the light of the whole situation as it may stand at the time.
You may orally and confidentially inform Chancellor of the foregoing and may add, with reference to final sentence your 13, that this Government has no evidence of intrigue by any Government.
Repeat to London and Paris.