611.6131/472: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 31—2:10 p.m.]
204. Reference my 202, July 31, 5 p.m.
1. Does Department desire to announce signing on August 4 or August 6? Would appreciate being informed regarding exact Washington time of announcement so Foreign Office can make one simultaneously.
2. The following is from the Ambassador:
“American correspondents here are very anxious of having statement from me under Moscow date line. They have been cooperative in preventing the publication of embarrassing deductions from the fact that no agreement has been reached prior to July 13 and I feel that it might be wise to give them some consideration. If in conformity with the practice of preceding years a statement of some kind is to be given here coincident with the announcement of the signing of the agreement by the Department, I would appreciate suggestions as to subject matter or possibly a complete text.
I personally feel that an achievement has been accomplished in obtaining an increase of 33⅓ percent in Soviet commitments. You will recall that Great Britain in order to obtain increases in Soviet purchases made a long term loan of 10,000,000 pounds. In my opinion the conclusion of a treaty of this kind tends to emphasize the substantial advantages for American industry which your trade agreement policy is achieving. [Davies.]”