856D.6176/123: Telegram
The Chargé in Great Britain (Atherton) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 16—3:11 p.m.]
11. Department’s 5, January 13, 2 p.m.6 Press reports meeting in Amsterdam January 18th of Dutch, British and other foreign rubber growers.
Discreet inquiries have been made by the Commercial Attaché office of the trade here and the following appears to represent the British position.
While British rubber interests strongly favor a restriction scheme, it is believed the British Government would refuse to become party to any scheme which was not water-tight and which did not comprise all producing countries. Question now is largely dependent on whether or not Netherlands Government can effectively restrict production of native planters. If British Government were satisfied on this point it doubtless would be prepared to legislate accordingly in cooperation with the Netherlands and French Governments. It is doubtful if any legislation will result immediately from Amsterdam meeting.
It is the opinion of the trade, however, that the three Governments concerned will be able to put a restriction scheme in force within a few months to remain so for a period of years, and that any scheme adopted will adequately protect consuming countries from sharp rises or fluctuations in price. British interests favor six pence to nine pence per pound with frequently adjustable quotas for export.
Copy mailed to The Hague.
- Not printed; substantially the same as paragraph 1 in telegram No. 2, January 13, 2 p.m., to the Minister in the Netherlands, supra.↩