500.A15A5/114: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 26—1:33 p.m.]
360. From Davis. It is becoming increasingly evident that Russia wants to take part in the preliminary naval conversations and that the French will probably propose that an invitation be extended them. Efforts will likewise undoubtedly be made to force us to take a stand with regard to Russian participation.
Kuh of the United Press who arrived yesterday from Moscow and who is very close to Russian officials, has already begun to agitate the question and to attempt to force a statement of our views, claiming that our Embassy in Moscow is encouraging this move. I have declined to see Kuh and have authorized Pell to answer inquiries to the effect that we have come here on invitation from the British, that at the time we were invited we were informed that invitations would be extended to Japan, France and Italy; and that it is not therefore for us to extend invitations to any power or to take a position as to whom invitations will be extended.
I assume from your 435, June 13, noon,3 that you would be opposed to the inclusion of Russia in these conversations were the question to be brought up. All indications point to the fact that the question will not be raised as the British are opposed to the extension of the conversations beyond the five naval powers. [Davis.]