711.429/260: Telegram
The Chargé in Canada (Riggs) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 1:55 p.m.]
52. Department’s 40, April 1, 4 p.m. Acknowledgment received last night from Prime Minister, final paragraph of which reads as follows:
“I may state for the information of the Government of the United States that the Canadian Government has also the draft of such a treaty in preparation and will be prepared to arrange at an early date for discussion looking to the conclusion of an agreement.”
Liquor export bill received second reading in the Senate last night after defeat of a proposal to shelve it until treaty is negotiated, but it is understood third reading will not take place until after Easter recess of Parliament ending April 24.
Under Secretary of State for External Affairs has now telephoned to offer following suggestion from the Prime Minister. He believes discussion of Canadian and American drafts of treaty would be slow and difficult by correspondence and suggests small informal conference [Page 491] of interested Canadian and American Government officials at Ottawa to compose as rapidly as possible any differences between the two drafts and permit signing of treaty at an early date.
Despatch forwarding copy of Canadian note leaves in pouch today.