111 Advisory Committee/246: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
3591. To Reed, from Land, reference Embassy’s 3538, April 29, 8 p.m. Neither State Department nor I object to advising Lord Leathers of content of Department’s 2519 of March 31. In further amplification of this cable the general purpose of recommendations 1, 2 and 3, is to provide at this time a single body under the Combined Shipping Adjustment Boards to deal with shipping problems in place of the present dual set-up and to consult with other maritime nations. Upon cessation of European hostilities, it is contemplated that the Combined Shipping Commission would progressively become an international shipping agency. The Special Committee’s proposal is not intended to give the details of organization. It is intended to be a general policy guide for discussions with the British.
Recommendation 4 proposes establishment of permanent technical committee to study and recommend measures for improving international standards of safety of navigation. It is not intended that this committee would be initially a part of the proposed Combined Shipping Commission.
Designation of Mr. Weston for Washington discussions most acceptable. We consider matter urgent and strongly recommend that discussions be initiated as soon as possible. [Land.]