561.35E1A/1440: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Bucknell) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 16—8:49 p.m.]
3961. For Hawkins7 from Steere. Embassy’s 3159, April 18, 6 p.m. Promised confirmation of British Government’s readiness to see Sugar Agreement extended has not been forthcoming, according to the official consulted, because of his Government’s desire to have the comment of their representatives in Washington (which is still lacking) before taking final decision.
I am now reliably informed, however, that British cable prepared for Washington on this subject aimed at persuading our Government, or at least certain officials, that Agreement should not be extended, or in any event, if extended, with essential operative features eliminated. My informant indicates that certain opponents of commodity schemes in British official circles are insistent that American Government departments are divided in their views on international commodity regulation, and have succeeded in securing instructions to their Mission in Washington which aim at exploiting our divergent views to secure termination of Sugar Agreement. It has been suggested to me that if we desire extension for 1 year without prejudice to future action, and would definitely so indicate, that His Majesty’s Government would, in all probability, agree; the more so, since the Dutch, Australian and South African Governments have indicated to His Majesty’s Government that they favor extension in the present form.
Your advice about any sugar discussions with the British in Washington, together with any instructions, would be appreciated. [Steere.]
- Harry O. Hawkins, Director, Office of Economic Affairs; assigned to Embassy at London as Counselor for Economic Affairs with rank of Minister, September 12, 1944.↩