550.S1/591: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain (Atherton)
62. For Davis. Your No. 64, March 31, 8 p.m. The President entirely approves of your conversation with MacDonald in relation to his visit and re-emphasizes his belief that it is of the highest importance. It is also satisfactory that debt discussion should be eliminated from visit. For your information, date of end of April would be satisfactory, but legislative program is proceeding so fast that it is in realm of possibility that Congress might finish by May 1st.33 If this occurred it would be inadvisable to have the Prime Minister here at that time. He should be in Washington either after Congress adjourns or at least 2 weeks before adjournment. President suggests it would be very satisfactory if we could have till April 10th to get clearer picture of Congressional dates, and that in meantime the Prime Minister gives serious consideration to coming over even at fairly short notice either about April 20th or in early May if Congress adjourns.
You may tell the Prime Minister that the President is not sending an official invitation at this time, but that he knows how delighted the President would be to talk with him and what great importance the President attaches to the meeting.
- Congress adjourned June 16.↩