841.51/6–1847: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
3347. Embtel 2772, May 16; Embtel 3116, June 6.1 On Bevin’s2 instructions, Roger Makins3 today handed me document entitled “UK Position and the World Dollar Shortage”4 which I am informed, was delivered to the Secretary of State by the British Ambassador in Washington either late yesterday or early this morning.
In response to the question as to whether any further information was desired by us I repeated the request which I had made to Mr. Bevin some ten days ago and to the Chancellor of the Exchequer almost exactly a month ago, that we be given the following information:
- 1.
- The way in which dollars drawn down against the line of credit over the past four months have been expended; and
- 2.
- The purposes for which the estimated draw down of dollars in the future will be expended.
This information, I believe, is essential if we are to have a clear understanding of the present British dollar position and her estimated dollar position in the future.
I hope this information will be made available to us prior to Mr. Clayton’s arrival. Without it, it is difficult to make an intelligent comment and to have a considered appraisal.