500.A15A5/575: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—7:40 a.m.]
6. Phillips, Standley and I in making our first call on British, had a substantial and satisfactory conversation yesterday afternoon with Monsell, Chatfield and Craigie. In substance they said that, while they are playing down the Conference, they are hopeful at least as to qualitative limitation and some arrangement as to building programs.
They also told us the French and Italians had agreed that they would not support the Japanese for a common upper limit. The British indicated even more determination than last year not to make any concessions to the Japanese as to ratio or a common upper limit although recognizing the improbability of any agreement for an actual continuance of the ratio principle.
[Page 159]In conclusion they expressed the opinion that we would have to be patient and tactful, but firm with the Japanese and that from time to time we should exchange views as to how we might best collaborate to make a success of the Conference.