811.04418/553
The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt
My Dear Mr. President: In accordance with your request of September 11th22 I am quoting the text of a proposed draft reply for your consideration to be made to the personal message of The Right Honorable R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia, through the British Ambassador23 here:
“My dear Mr. Prime Minister: I have received through the British Ambassador your personal message of September 7th.
“May I say at once that I am glad to have your views and that I fully appreciate the spirit which prompted you to send me this message. Earlier this year I endeavored to bring about the repeal by Congress of the embargo provisions of our neutrality legislation. Congress finally decided to postpone the consideration of this matter in spite of the considered recommendations of the Secretary of State and my own efforts. As you know, the existing legislation becomes mandatory on the declaration of war.
“I have just called The Congress into special session on September 21st to consider our neutrality legislation.
“I recall with pleasure your visit here four years ago.
“With warmest personal regards and every good wish, I am
“Very sincerely yours,”
Faithfully yours,