841.4061 Motion Pictures/81: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—11:25 a.m.]
766. Department’s 483, December 10, noon. There seems to be some misconception in Mr. Hays’ mind of the actual state of affairs here with respect to the films bill. The bill has gone to committee after second reading. The committee is considering the many amendments presented. So far no amendment detrimental to the American industry has been adopted although some have been rejected.
Both Williamson94 and Allport have talked with Brown. The former has impressed upon him the seriousness with which we would view the enactment of legislation carrying more restrictions than are provided for by the present act. Allport has submitted to Brown five suggested amendments which, if accepted, would more than satisfy the industry. Brown has promised to put the whole matter up to Stanley who can control to a large extent the pattern of the new bill. All indications at present point to the probability that the bill will emerge from the committee in a form not detrimental to the American industry; in other words the sum of the restrictions in the new bill will probably not be greater than the sum of the restrictions in the old bill. Moreover, if a substantial part of Allport’s recommendations is enacted the industry will be better off than at present.
Because the act of 1927 expires this year it is not to be hoped that no legislation to replace it will be enacted at the present time. As a [Page 93] practical matter, therefore, all of Allport’s efforts have been directed towards securing legislation which does not injure the American industry to any great extent. He has felt that during the past week great progress towards that end has been made. The representations directed by your 468 of November 29, 7 p.m. I made personally to the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs and we have substantial reason to believe that they had real effect upon the Board of Trade’s attitude. We gather, and it is Allport’s impression, that the Board of Trade is now favorably disposed to some modification of the bill to cover the American industry’s principal desiderata.
Brown has promised Allport to tell him in a few days what Stanley is willing to do. I feel, therefore, that until Stanley has had time to manoeuvre further, official representations here might serve to complicate the situation. Allport is anxious that nothing more be done for the moment, fearing that further representations at this time would “get their backs up” and jeopardize the intricate negotiations he has carried on with Brown. I venture, therefore, to suggest that this phase of the matter be considered and that I be authorized to await further instructions before again broaching the matter to Foreign Office.
- David Williamson, Second Secretary of Embassy in the United Kingdom.↩