550.S1/580: Telegram
The Chargé in Great Britain (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 31—2:35 p.m.]
63. Personal from Davis. At meeting this afternoon with MacDonald and Simon they suggested that Organizing Committee for the Economic Conference be called to meet on April 10th and that Organizing Committee then fix June 1st as the date for convoking of Economic Conference. In reply to their inquiry I stated that I thought date of June 1st would probably be agreeable to you but that I would immediately ascertain your views. Simon urgently requested me to do this as he wished to canvass the other members of the Organizing Committee immediately upon hearing from us that date of June 1st was satisfactory. I agreed that I would return to London for meeting of Organizing Committee. As other states have not yet been consulted on date, foregoing should be considered confidential. Please cable so that I can advise Simon Saturday since he must make immediate arrangements if Organizing Committee is to meet April 10th which is approximately latest available date prior to Easter.31 If meeting of Organizing Committee delayed until after Easter this would delay opening of Conference as 6 weeks is minimum period required for notice to participating governments and preparations [Page 477] here. It is evident from my conversations that there is no change in MacDonald’s attitude as regards the holding of the Conference in London. [Davis.]
- April 16.↩