851.248/154: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Bullitt )
138. Department’s No. 136, March 7, 11 a.m.46 I have carefully considered, in consultation with the War Department, the proposal outlined in your No. 408, March 6, noon, for the establishment by [Page 506] French interests of a factory in this country to manufacture military planes of a French type. This Government would be strongly opposed to any such project as we feel that it would confuse and complicate the aircraft industrial situation and so militate against the interests of the American aircraft industry, and ultimately against the interests of the national defense.
You are requested to make the position of this Government known to the appropriate French authorities and to suggest to Wertheimer and Senator de la Grange that they do not come to this country with a view to carrying out any such project as that described in your telegram.
The President has seen and approved this telegram.
- Not printed.↩