740.0011 European War 1939/9559: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant )
1130. Your 1288, April 2, 10 p.m. This Government believes that the question asked in paragraph numbered 4 of section 2 of your [Page 930] telegram under reference might as it stands give rise to undesirable inferences. We are confident that the British Government would not wish to cause or to encourage an assumption on the part of any other nation that the British Empire might temporarily abandon the defense of its interests in some particular region. As for this Government, we do not wish that any other government make any assumption that the United States will not expect or will not be able to give adequate and appropriate protection to its interests in any area.
Please bring these observations orally and in strict confidence to the attention of an appropriate official of the British Government.