Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1934, General, the British Commonwealth, Volume I

856D.6176/244: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham)

Washington, May 14, 1934—7 p.m.

195. Your 212, April 30⁴⁷ and despatch No. 665 of same date. As regards paragraph in British Government’s aide-mémoire in which it is stated that that Government would welcome suggestions from the United States Government as to the most suitable person to represent American interests, as provided in Article 18 of the intergovernmental agreement,⁴⁸ Department tentatively is of the opinion that it is preferable to retain liberty of action. It is decidedly to be desired that the American consuming interests be represented on the consumers’ committee of three but Department is of the opinion that it is preferable that nomination should be made directly by these interests through the most suitable organization. Therefore unless difficulty arises as regards this direct nomination Department does not plan to respond to the invitation cited above.

It is transmitting to the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association a copy of the plan, calling attention to the pertinent article providing for consumer representation and stating that the Department anticipates that the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association will be consulted directly.

All of the preceding is for your information in the event that the British authorities should raise the subject again.

Hull

47. Not printed.
48. For text of agreement, signed at London, May 7, 1934, see Great Britain, Cmd. 4583 (1934): Agreement Between the Governments of France, the United Kingdom, India, the Netherlands and Siam, to Regulate Production and Export of Rubber.