711.429/263: Telegram
The Chargé in Canada (Riggs) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 7:46 p.m.]
58. Legation’s 57, April 9, 5 p.m.5 Prime Minister who leaves tomorrow for Bermuda how believes conference impractical at present since Easter recess of Parliament begins tomorrow. Several Cabinet Ministers including Minister of National Revenue will be absent until April 28 when House of Commons reconvenes. He suggests meanwhile that drafts of treaty be exchanged as between Legation and Department of External Affairs with a view to determining more definitely whether differences are sufficient to necessitate proposed conference. Under Secretary of State for External Affairs hopes to have Canadian draft ready around April 16 and suggests that if American draft were available by that time we might examine the two drafts and exchange preliminary impressions before submitting them to the respective Governments for examination. Decision as to conference could then follow. He also desires to know whether it would be convenient to have signature of treaty take place at Ottawa since this would facilitate procedure for Canadian Government. If American Government consents he proposes to apply to London for full power for Prime Minister to sign treaty.
- Not printed.↩