550.S1 Economic Commission/10: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Hull) to the Acting Secretary of State 9
[Received July 2—9:49 p.m.]
90. Our number 75, June 28, 7 p.m. Discussion of this subject is making rapid progress and Drafting Committee began work Friday afternoon.
The general line of the proposals which have won support is that each country according to its circumstance as producer, consumer or exporter, undertake some obligation which combined would assure the better balance of production and consumption of sugar. Countries like the United States are apt to be asked not to increase production or not to increase beyond designated limits. The question of production in the Philippines, Hawaii and Puerto Rico will also certainly arise.
The British Government speaking for its colonies, the Dutch Government speaking for its colonies, and French Government speaking for its colonies, have given general support for the proposal in principle.
The American delegation has closely followed the discussions but has stated that it has requested instructions from Washington and pending receipts of these instructions cannot take an affirmative position. A member of the delegation will serve on the drafting subcommittee in order to keep fully acquainted with the development of the plan while continuing to make it clear that until instructions are received he cannot give any assurance regarding the American position.
Immediate advice would be appreciated. Ferrara is anxiously seeking some indication of our attitude.
- Transmitted in part to President Roosevelt as telegram No. 40, July 3, 3 p.m.↩