856D.6176/374: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Bingham)
449. Your 612, December 15, for Butterworth has been discussed in full and Butterworth concurs in the following.
Irrespective of the point of view of American rubber manufacturers, expressed through representation on the Consumers Panel, this Government must continue to have a vital interest in the international rubber situation. Not only are we concerned with the general interests of ultimate consumers, as differentiated from the interests of rubber manufacturers, but also this Government has a vital interest in the protection of the supply of rubber which would be required in the event of a national emergency. It is believed that Townsend and [Page 518] Viles understand the independent position of this Government upon this question but this position will be reemphasized in conferences with them immediately upon their return.
A review of the exchange of opinion between this Government and the British Government in regard to the establishment of the international rubber regulation scheme indicates that the British Government recognized the legitimate interest and concern of this Government in the character and operation of the scheme. At the same time the British Government indicated that it would continue to have a vital relation to the International Committee and that it would feel some responsibility for the administration of the scheme. Hence this Government has felt that there was no reason for hesitation in expressing its views frankly to the British Government without in any way seeking to interfere with the work of the International Committee.
You are authorized if you see no objection to discuss the entire matter with the Foreign Office. You may wish to say, for the information of the British Government, that this Government has been informed of Campbell’s attitude, that it is at a loss to understand the basis of that attitude, and that it can see no justification for it, especially in view of Campbell’s position in the British Government. If the British Government feels that there is anything irregular in this Government’s expression of interest and opinion respecting the international rubber situation, this Government would of course desire to hear directly from the British Government.