800.85/8–744: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

6315. For Berle and Land, WSA. ReEmbs 6267, August 5, 1 p.m. We have been told by the British that informal word has now been received that the French Committee have decided to maintain their original position and will not sign the Agreement on Principles concluded at the Shipping Conference. Anduze-Faris is expected to arrive back in London from Algiers tomorrow when he will give formal notification of the French position.

It has therefore been decided, subject to your approval, to amend the proposed press statement in the following manner. Paragraph 2 to be deleted and paragraph 3, which now becomes paragraph 2, to begin as follows: “The Governments of Belgium, Canada, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, United Kingdom and United States have declared et cetera,” A new penultimate paragraph to be added, reading: “Representatives of the French Committee of National Liberation took part in the discussions. Denmark was represented by an observer.”

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It is hoped that your approval of the amended statement can be received by tomorrow afternoon at the latest so that the Foreign Office may make it available for the Wednesday morning papers.

Winant