641.5531/18a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
Washington, May 6,
1942—10 p.m.
1979. For Biddle. Embassy’s 2308 April 30, 11 p.m., Embassy’s 2289 April 30, 5 p.m.,8 and Belgian Series 3 April 30, 10 p.m.
- 1.
- The Department sees no objection to suggestion that new Anglo-American-Belgian Congo supply and purchase arrangements be drawn in the form of tripartite agreement. The Department further agrees that such tripartite agreement should only become operative as from September 1, 1942. There appears to be every reason to operate under the second Anglo-Belgian purchasing agreement until that date. Our objective, however, should be to have the proposed tripartite arrangement concluded and signed prior to September 1, 1942, and to this end it is urged that you press the negotiations forward in London.
- 2.
- Department was glad to learn that the Belgian Colonial Minister has postponed his trip, since his presence in London seems obviously necessary for rapid progress in the negotiations. Please keep the Department continuously informed of developments in this matter.
Hull
- Telegram No. 2289 not printed.↩