500.C111/893: Telegram (part air)
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 7, 1935—7:28 a.m.]
421. Department’s 100, September 27, 6 p.m. Last evening Avenol7 handed me a letter which he had addressed to you, dated October 2, of which the following is the text:
“Dear Mr. Secretary: May I just add a brief personal word to the formal acknowledgment sent you by Dr. Beneš, President of the Assembly, of your communication regarding the Assembly’s economic and financial recommendations?
This communication was a particular satisfaction to me not only in evidencing what Dr. Beneš so well called the ‘community of interests and the unity of view which is thus shown to exist between the policy of the United States and the recommendations of the Assembly on economic and financial questions’ but also in recalling very pleasant memories of the collaboration between the American delegation and the Secretariat during the London Conference. I would not, therefore, want to let this occasion pass without a personal word of my own special appreciation.
I have been happy also to observe during the past year an appreciable American cooperation in the League’s economic and financial work. The Government has sent experts to the Clearings and Commercial Propaganda Committees and has transmitted much useful statistical data; individual Americans have served unofficially on the Economic, Statistical and Meat Products Committees; I look forward to still further representation at various meetings scheduled shortly, particularly, perhaps in connection with the study of international loan contracts being organized by the Financial Committee. I hope I do not exaggerate in thinking that the various economic and financial agencies which have come into being during the last 15 years offer an opportunity both of immediate progress on special lines and ultimate progress at the right moment on general lines. It goes without [Page 527] saying, I am sure, that I am anxious to be of any possible assistance in the mutual effort to overcome the difficulties now confronting the world and that I should be only too happy if you cared to call upon me in any way.
Again with much appreciation of your communication I have the honor to be, my [dear] Mr. Secretary, Yours very truly, Avenol.”
This is not being published here. Avenol said to me, however, that he had no objections to your publishing it should you desire to do so. If you are making it public please advise me.
- Joseph A. Avenol, Secretary General of the League of Nations.↩