548.D1/315: Telegram

The Consul at Geneva ( Gilbert ) to the Secretary of State

240. 1. Referring to paragraphs 1 to 3 of enclosure to Department’s instruction of June 6th concerning Refugee Conference, Everett inquired whether he is correct in assuming that the Department prefers that he refrain from speaking on the floor of the Conference in reply to possible inquiries relative to American immigration laws and regulations. Any statements made on the floor might be construed by the public as active participation. Moreover, such inquiries, if thus encouraged, might go beyond technical matters. Everett suggests that he might arrange to inform the President of the Conference on any pertinent points in American laws and regulations and that the President could then elucidate them to the Conference as occasion might arise. Everett would also reply, of course, to any personal inquiries from individual delegates.

The Finnish representative here will likewise attend as an observer. He tells me that it is his intention to reply to any inquiries either privately or by written statements which he will hand to the Secretary of the Conference.

2. Department’s telegram 56, June 6, 4 p.m.6 Does the Department desire that I notify Everett’s designation to the Secretary General or is notification being transmitted through Bern.

3. Please instruct.

Gilbert
  1. Not printed.