711.42157Sa29/702

The Minister in Canada (MacNider) to the Secretary of State

No. 31

Sir: With further reference to the Department’s instruction No. 1 of August 26, 1930, (no file number indicated), directing me to forward [Page 533] to the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs a note conveying the President’s suggestions for action in connection with the St. Lawrence seaway, I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a reply now received from Mr. Bennett, the Secretary of State for External Affairs. Mr. Bennett briefly repeats the substance of what he told me in the course of our conversations on this matter, as reported in my despatch No. 17 of September 5, 1930.38

Respectfully yours,

Hanford MacNider
[Enclosure]

The Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs (Bennett) to the American Minister (MacNider)

No. 132

Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge your note of September 2nd indicating the readiness of the Government of the United States to proceed with the development of the proposed St. Lawrence waterway at an early date.

The Canadian Government has given consideration to some phases of the St. Lawrence waterway question, but in view of the fact that the Parliament of Canada is now in session, and that the opening of the Imperial Conference has been set for September 30th, it will not be possible to deal with the question in a comprehensive manner at the present moment. I purpose, however, to go into the matter immediately upon my return from the Conference in November, and following this examination I shall communicate with you further.

Accept [etc.]

R. B. Bennett
  1. Not printed.