550.S1/361: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Edge)

418. For Mr. Norman H. Davis. Your 46 and 47, November 22, have been discussed with Day and Feis.

(1)
The American experts agree to the inclusion of a Chinese member upon the Preparatory Committee.
(2)
The statement included in the minutes of the Organizing Committee at your suggestion should serve a most useful purpose.
(3)
As for the next meeting of the Preparatory Committee in January, you are fully aware that before the Committee assembles again it is highly desirable that its members have clearer indications of the measures their governments will be prepared to undertake. The position of the American representatives at any January conference is, as you know, apt to be difficult because of the change of Administration. Day and Williams are coming to Washington on December 2 and the Department intends to suggest to the President that he authorize Day to present your letter to President-elect Roosevelt and to see what headway may be made in securing the definition of future policy.

On the assumption that the next meeting of the Preparatory Committee has been definitely set for January, it would be more convenient for the American members if the day were fixed later.

It is now apparent that the Conference itself cannot be held until after March 4th.

Please repeat to Sackett.

Castle