500.A15A5/99: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Bingham ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—2:05 p.m.]
335. From Norman Davis. We have been impressed by the emphasis placed by the British—in which we all fully concur—upon the necessity of the present naval conversations being kept most secret. To further this end, no notes were taken at yesterday’s meeting and none are to be taken in the further discussions for the time being.
In this connection I have been greatly disturbed to learn that the Associated Press through some source in Washington has come into possession of the substance of the June 4 technical program,78 including the proposal to abolish sub-categories, but that they are refraining from making use of it for the present. I need hardly emphasize how unfortunate any publicity in this matter would be.
[Page 262]With reference to the Department’s telegram 234, June 9, 4 p.m.,79 Bingham and I will forward confidential cables in secret code since we understand copy of all messages is on file in hands of Western Union in London and Western Union officials here are British subjects. [Davis.]