Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1937, General, Volume I

711.00111 Armament Control/1244: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

Paris, March 25, 1937—noon.
[Received March 25—9:10 a.m.]

408. Your 145, March 24, 4 p.m. We have no information as to whether these planes have been purchased by Air France. On the basis of the Department’s 120, March 9, 7 p.m., we communicated the information contained therein discreetly to an official at the Foreign Office with whom we have been in contact from time to time regarding the Hunzedal planes. Following receipt of the Department’s 139, March 22, 6 p.m.,⁴³ we informally advised this official that no application for license to export airplanes had been received from Sherover.

In view of the foregoing and considering the fact that Air France is subsidized by the French Government I feel that if we are to seek information regarding the planes which Sherover now intends to export to France we should do so through the Foreign Office rather than attempting to obtain information indirectly. I should appreciate therefore being advised whether the Department desires us to make discreet inquiry in the matter of the Foreign Office.⁴⁴

Wilson

43. Not printed.
44. In telegram No. 149, March 25, 7 p.m. the Chargé was instructed to “inquire of the Foreign Office.”