800.6354/140: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
924. Your 1598, September 11, 8 p.m.87 The Tin Advisory Committee of the American Iron & Steel Institute, meeting with Todd today, has reached the conclusion that it would not be justified in making a public statement regarding supplies of tin based merely on the general assurances of MacDonald’s letter.88 It feels that any such general assurance would be insufficient in view of the uncertainty as to releases of tin to be authorized by the International Committee.
Todd has been informed today that the committee intends to announce an 80 percent release retroactive for the third quarter, leaving the fourth quarter open for further consideration. Such indecision regarding the fourth quarter would have an undesirable effect on the market. It is urged that at least an 80 percent rate of release be announced for the fourth quarter with consideration given later to further increases or a complete removal of restriction.
[Page 931]It will be appreciated if you will ascertain whether the British Government is having difficulty in securing full agreement through the International Committee upon more liberal releases.
- Not printed; it reported that the British Government had no objection to a press release on tin similar to that approved on rubber.↩
- The letter from Malcolm MacDonald, British Colonial Secretary, is quoted in telegram No. 1528, September 8, 4 p.m., from the Ambassador in the United Kingdom, p. 867.↩