851.4061 Motion Pictures/87: Telegram
The Chargé in France ( Armour ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 7—4:19 p.m.]
266. Department’s 180, June 3, 11 a.m. Contents communicated to Foreign Office as directed.
Today I was informed by the Foreign Office that the French Government has reached no decision; that there is a strong sentiment in favor of the contingent quota but that the French Government will endeavor to reach a solution in the best interests of France and also taking into consideration our Government’s point of view.
Foreign Office hopes that our Government will understand the difficult situation in which it is placed.
Foreign Office states that local American companies have received instructions from head organizations in the United States looking toward the closing of their establishments and discharging their personnel thereby giving the impression that they consider the negotiations terminated unfavorably to themselves which is not the case. However Foreign Office states that such action on part of company [Page 1016] cannot but give the impression of endeavoring to bring pressure to bear on the French Government which may have adverse results if taken up by the press. The Foreign Office hopes that Hays can be persuaded to withdraw such instructions, if issued, at least until such time as a definite decision has been reached.
Foreign Office wishes it to be distinctly understood that Sapène does not represent the French Government’s views and is not authorized to speak for it.