840.515 Gold Bloc/16
The Consul at Geneva ( Gilbert ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 7.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch No. 1027 Political dated October 4, 193418 relating to the meeting of representatives of the gold bloc states in Geneva and to inform the Department that in a recent conversation with M. Stoppani, Director of the Economic Relations Section of the League Secretariat, I took occasion to ascertain his views on the results of the recent Conference of the gold bloc states in Brussels. M. Stoppani had just returned from Paris where he was in touch with a number of representatives of these states.
Referring to the decision of the Conference relating to the increase of trade within the gold bloc, M. Stoppani stated that the collaboration envisaged should be regarded merely as a transitional step and that while the Conference had been relatively successful, the actual measures which will result are unlikely in themselves to be of great importance. He said he thought the aim set by the Conference was modest and in view of this fact it could probably be attained. The concessions which will be made will no doubt be limited as far as possible to the characteristic products of the negotiating states. M. Stoppani is of the opinion that the collaboration of these states is limited not only by internal opposition to concessions but also by the fear of offending states outside the group, particularly Great Britain and Germany.
Questioned regarding the participation of Poland in the Conference, M. Stoppani said that the request of Poland to be represented at Brussels was not received until a few days before the Conference opened and that it caused the other states considerable concern. At the opening of the Conference, however, the Polish delegation explained that it merely wanted to be represented for the reason that its absence from a meeting of gold bloc states would be likely to give rise to misunderstandings in Poland. The Polish delegates therefore did not take part in the discussions and it is understood that Poland will not participate in the action contemplated by the other states to increase their reciprocal trade.
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Respectfully yours,
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