611.48N16/120: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State

3053. Your 2528, August 28 [27], 4 p.m. Informal inquiry of Foreign Office resulted in invitation to Agricultural and Commercial Attachés to attend informal discussion with representatives Colonial Office and Ministry Food which was held today. It was explained by British representatives that it was the intention to continue the cocoa control scheme for another year with only minor modifications and that after careful consideration the Departments concerned with administration of scheme had reluctantly concluded that it would be very impracticable to attempt to arrange participation of American interests in West African quota allocations. They were careful to avoid a categoric refusal but obviously hoped that we would not press the matter. Grounds for their conclusion essentially those advanced [Page 131] year ago when American participation originally refused. Ministry Food representatives suggested that as regards Rockwood arrangements were being made by Ministry to meet certain special requirements of Rockwood and that latter under war time conditions is probably in more advantageous position on the whole than if they were to participate as direct purchasers. It was also claimed that relations with Rockwood had been excellent during past year and cocoa control officials stated they were under impression that Rockwood had more or less abandoned idea of direct participation for duration war. Final arrangements next crop year expected to be completed this week.

Kennedy