783.003/129: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt ( Fish ) to the Secretary of State

72. I learn confidentially that some concern exists on the part of the High Commissioner’s own advisers regarding the perfunctory attitude which he is taking towards the Capitulations Conference as he has expressed himself as of the belief that it may all be settled in a couple of days once the Conference is convened.

While the Conference is not expected to encounter any insuperable difficulties the satisfactory solution of the complicated problems which will be raised thereat requires careful preparatory study. In my opinion which is shared by those in whom I have confidence Egyptian Government when issuing invitations to the powers should present at least its general proposals. Failing that it would seem inevitable that when the delegates assemble it will be necessary to request an adjournment for time to study them. I believe that it might be advisable for the Department to approach the British Foreign Office informally to suggest the possible desirability that the Egyptian invitation should be accompanied by the Egyptian proposals. As yet no decision has been taken on the form of the invitation nor as to the time and place of the Conference.

Fish