500.A15a3/1196

The British Ambassador (Lindsay) to the Secretary of State

Dear Mr. Secretary: I think I ought to let you know at once that in response to your message to London, our Ambassadors in Paris and Rome have been instructed to make oral representations to the French and Italian Governments. I enclose copy of what they are to say, and they must have received their instructions this morning. They have been told that it is important that they should take action today if possible.

Believe me [etc.]

R. C. Lindsay
[Page 150]
[Enclosure]

Instructions Issued to the British Ambassadors in France and Italy

His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have been much concerned at rumours which continue to reach them in regard to a Franco-Italian deadlock in naval question. Assurances were given to Mr. Henderson at Geneva that conversations which had been suspended would be continued but up to the present nothing in this direction appears to have occurred. His Majesty’s Government earnestly hope that the negotiations which at one time seemed to be progressing favourably may be resumed in some form at earliest possible moment. Prime Minister as chairman of naval conference offered his good offices when conference adjourned and Mr. Henderson made same offer to M. Briand and Signor Grandi in May last. The good offices of His Majesty’s Government as party closely concerned in every aspect of this question remain open to the two Governments should they desire to make use of them.