561.35E1/267: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—9:40 a.m.]
3. Your 2, April 1, 1 p.m. While I was on the ocean the British and Continental press published despatches from America to the effect that I was coming to Europe with a great peace plan and intimated that this was the opinion in Washington. This was probably done under instructions in the hope of smoking me out.
On my arrival at Plymouth I was asked to give details of the peace plan. I informed the reporters that I had come to attend the Sugar Conference and had no peace or other proposals to make. In spite of this some newspapers continued to represent that I had come on a “secret mission”. The responsible papers now are taking a satisfactory line as indicated by the article in today’s London Times and I hope there will be no further outbreak.
However, it may not be possible to prevent some speculation since all of Europe evidently is most eager to have us take an initiative.9 There is strong wishful thinking which gives rise to speculation in the European press which is bound to be reflected somewhat in despatches sent by our own newspapermen. In any event no statement will be made to the press by any member of this delegation which will suggest that I have come for any purpose other than to attend the Sugar Conference.