765.84/2605: Telegram (part air)

The Consul at Geneva ( Gilbert ) to the Secretary of State

603. Since the adjournment of the Committee of Eighteen on November 6 no developments of significance have occurred at Geneva. A subcommittee has approved the execution of a few current contracts of a restricted nature of which the fulfillment would have obviously [Page 688] little material effect on the efficacy of sanctions. The replies of governments as to whether they have clearing agreements with Italy and the nature of such agreements continue to come in but thus far do not appear to present any new feature having a bearing on the fulfillment of the obligations which the governments have undertaken in regard to these agreements as affecting sanctions. Governments are likewise transmitting copies of laws and decrees putting sanctions into force. This information is, however, somewhat scattered and inconclusive. All of this documentation is being forwarded currently to the Department. Should the Department desire telegraphically any details which might be available here, please instruct.

No definite date has been set for the next meeting of the Committee of Eighteen or subcommittees but November 25 is being considered.

I understand that three methods of replying to the Italian note9 of protest against sanctions have been considered: (1) The governments to reply individually and independently or (2) to reply individually but in similar terms after consultation through diplomatic channels or (3) to direct the Chairman of the Coordination Committee to send a common reply on their behalf.

The latest information available at the Secretariat is that the second method will probably be followed, the French and British drafting an identical note and transmitting it to the other Governments for guidance.

Gilbert
  1. Note of November 11, supra.