500.A15A5/130: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham)
Washington, July
3, 1934—8 p.m.
283. [For Davis.] Your 378, July 3, 3 p.m.
- (1)
- We approve the general approach you outlined for your talk with Baldwin tomorrow as well as the text of the formula you propose.
- (2)
- If the British agree to the general proposition of a renewal of the London Treaty with only such modifications downward as can be agreed upon, then we see no further necessity to pursue detailed technical discussions for the moment.
- (3)
- If, however, the British decline to agree to such a general proposition, we feel that you should still continue the conversations, but in desultory fashion and on broad general principles, at least until the arrival of the Japanese. The acid test of British intentions will then be faced. Prior to that time we should consider premature a termination or even a public suspension of the conversations.
- (4)
- This line of action was approved by the President before his departure in a conference at which representatives of both State and Navy Departments were present.
- (5)
- With reference to your telegram No. 377, we shall, of course, give out no press statement for the time being.
Carr