800.6176/11–2544: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:53 p.m.]
10401. To Haley from Bugbee. Understand discussions now taking place between Ministry Supply, Colonial Office and Foreign Office in connection with admittance of French to Rubber Study Group. Of course no invitation will be issued prior to discussion with you but understand you may expect either a direct letter from Franks on the subject or a visit from Washington office representatives of Ministry of Supply. Although it is believed British would prefer not to run risk of having committee become too top-heavy at this stage, they apparently are under considerable pressure from French and appear to think that French might be admitted without inviting all others. Personally feel undesirable as appears likely that admittance would open the field to all at a stage when it would make committee too cumbersome to operate effectively. [Bugbee.]