560.M5/162: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—12:45 p.m.]
The Second International Conference on Concerted Economic Action convened yesterday with 26 European countries sending delegates and 6 overseas countries represented by observers. The Conference first considered the question of the coming into force of the commercial convention of March 24, 1930. Of the 9 countries which have so far ratified this convention, none apparently was willing to put it into effect among themselves. In view of the impending ratification of France and Italy, the Conference will probably decide to extend the date when ratifications may be received and postpone fixing the time of the coming into force of this convention until the January meeting of the Conference. Conference now considering position of countries with reference to the protocol of future negotiations, particularly the replies made to the questionnaire attached thereto.