500.A15A/104: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Bingham ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 21—11:20 a.m.]
343. From Norman Davis. In our meeting at 10 Downing Street today we reviewed somewhat the ground covered reported in my 332, June 18, 10 p.m., and reached the following tentative proposals for submission to the respective Governments:
- (1)
- That any treaty negotiated in 1935 must run concurrently with the Washington Treaty.
- (2)
- That in the event of failure of general agreement in 1935 the United States and Great Britain, who are in agreement as to the maintenance of parity as between them, will endeavor to conclude a treaty that would prevent a naval race as between us, the level of parity to be determined by world events. It was agreed however that no written record should be made of this.
The Prime Minister said he was sorry to have to say that the situation confronting the British Government which is very different and much more serious than when the London Treaty was signed, necessitating an increase in cruiser tonnage. Aside from the Far East they are particularly concerned over the increase in the French Navy and now over the Italian decision to build two 35,000-ton battleships. We expressed surprise and regret to learn that they are seriously considering an increase over the London Treaty limit and said it would be a great shock to public opinion if the forthcoming Naval Conference were to result in substantial increases.
MacDonald said they were prepared to explain fully and frankly the facts and reasons and believed they could satisfy us as to the need and justification for an increase.
It was agreed that a technical subcommittee would be set up for the purpose of examining the facts after which we would have a full meeting for further discussions. [Davis.]