765.84/4385: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 12—11:45 a.m.]
166. From the source mentioned in my 159, May 11, 6 p.m.,29 I am told as follows:
Eden30 received instructions from London this morning that, respecting the Kalian “annexation” of Abyssinia, the British policy is that Great Britain will not recognize the Italian position until it be recognized by the League.
He was told that Barton31 had been instructed merely to “sit tight”. Eden was reminded, however, that the Cabinet had not given full consideration to policy since the Italian annexation and that thus this must be construed as possibly a transition policy.
Consulate’s 165, May 12, 3 p.m.29 Developments here are naturally creating new situations affecting the policies of all of the governments.