500.A15A4/2467: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 7—10:30 a.m.]
156. From Norman Davis. Your 138, April 6, 6 p.m.
Altogether I am inclined to concur in the wisdom of the course indicated by you and unless Simon and Barthou are to attend the Bureau meeting, which is most unlikely but which will be determined today, I think it is unnecessary and perhaps inadvisable for me to do so. I am sure it would be advisable to discuss in Washington the position we should take when the General Commission meets as well as to have further talks with the Navy. My only concern is what explanation to make of my failure to attend the Bureau meeting, which will be called for because of my presence in Europe. I am inclined to believe it would be well to say that since the Bureau is to deal only with mechanical questions—receiving reports and perhaps fixing a date for the calling of the General Commission—and since the head delegates of none of the principal powers are attending, it is not deemed necessary for me to go. I would, however, appreciate your advice on this. [Davis.]