500.A15a3/1196
The British Ambassador (Lindsay) to
the Secretary of State
Washington, October 26, 1930.
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.]
[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.
