Office of the Historian

500.C1112/134: Telegram

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

Geneva, May 22, 1937—1 p.m.
[Received May 22—9:45 a.m.]

156. Consulate’s 142, May 12, 2 p.m. Based on conversations in London and memorandum which Leith-Ross has now submitted, Stoppani is of the opinion that the British will take a more constructive attitude in Raw Materials Committee and will be prepared to liberalize their policy in colonial and mandated territories as regards some questions such as the limitation of oil concessions to British nationals. Eventually he thought they might even consider the modification of colonial preference although the obstacle of Japanese competition is very difficult.

Gilbert