811.0141 Phoenix Group/81
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of International Conferences (Southgate)
| Participants: | Sir Ronald Lindsay, British Ambassador, |
| Mr. Moore, | |
| Mr. Southgate. |
Sir Ronald Lindsay called yesterday at Judge Moore’s request and was handed the Aide-Mémoire dated April 28, 1938, concerning Canton and Enderbury Islands.
The Ambassador read the document carefully. His first comment was that he felt his Government would be disappointed at our failure to agree with them concerning the planting and subsequent population of Canton Island by natives from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. [Page 100] He inquired whether there was any reason for our attitude in this regard other than appeared in the note. Judge Moore said that he did not know the details but that he felt the Department of the Interior had had some objection. He said he would communicate with officials of the Department of the Interior and see if there was anything more he could tell the Ambassador on this point.
Otherwise the Ambassador made no particular comment concerning our proposals but left the impression that they were in general satisfactory. Before departing he expressed the opinion, however, that he felt the question of the population of Canton Island might have to be discussed further. Judge Moore said we would be glad to be informed of any additional views of the British Government in this regard.