800.796/10–1844: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 19—1:45 p.m.]
8909. The White Paper on civil aviation which was quoted in full in Embassy’s 8858, October 1797 has received practically no attention in aviation circles since it in no way changed or added to what was already well known concerning the Government’s position. It is generally considered that it was issued by the Government as a defense against the constantly mounting criticism of its failure to define a policy.
Several members of Parliament expressed their annoyance at the appearance of a White Paper on civil aviation before adequate debate in the House of Commons. It is expected that there will be a demand that the subject be debated before Lord Swinton leaves for Chicago. (He is now expected to arrive in England October 22. He will not attend the Empire meeting.)
- Telegram 8858 not printed; for text of White Paper, see British Cmd. 6561: International Air Transport, Text of a White Paper Presented by the Secretary of State for Air to Parliament, by Command of His Majesty, October 1944.↩