500.A15A5/21a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham)
27. For Atherton. Your No. 23, January 29, 7 p.m.6 Please take an occasion orally to thank the Prime Minister7 for his message suggesting that our two Governments shortly undertake an exchange of views on the naval situation. Our minds have been running along these same lines and we attach the same importance as does the Prime Minister to smoothing out any differences of opinion we may have on technical naval matters and to considering the potentialities which would follow a possible termination of the naval treaties. As our ideas crystallize, we will keep in touch with the British and hope that they will similarly feel free at any time to approach us. Please ascertain very confidentially if the Prime Minister has any suggestions as to the best method of private interchange of views.
You may also say to the Prime Minister that the other point raised by him in connection with the general demoralization of world trade is receiving our careful consideration.