550.S1/1099: Telegram

The Chairman of the American Delegation to the Monetary and Economic Conference (Hull) to the Acting Secretary of State

104. For the President. Dissatisfaction somewhat allayed save among five so-called gold countries who still indicate considerable feeling. Plans to charge our Government with responsibility for wrecking Conference now abandoned in my opinion. Little chance for recess of only 10 days or 2 weeks. If any recess is had it will extend over several weeks probably to the middle of September. There has developed considerable sentiment against either adjournment or recess. Unfortunately as I stated to you in telephone conversations of today our delegation is without sufficient definite instructions to know what to do with respect to tariff truce or any method of lowering trade barriers of any sort except by bilateral bargaining treaty. The same need for information relative to your monetary ideas leaves the delegation in need of time and further instructions.

Your approved statement34 which the delegation has given out tonight made a good impression on the British as it will on all except most of the so-called five gold standard countries. The Steering Committee will probably determine at 10 o’clock tomorrow about the course of the Conference.

Hull
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