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No. 902.
(A 4938/9/46(2))
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.I.
19th December, 1940.
Sir,
01
With reference to my telegram 2395 of the 29th
September last, instructing His Majesty's late Ambassador
to point out to the State Department that His Majesty's
Government felt entitled to request them definitely to
specify all the Pacific Islands to which they purported to
have claims, I transmit herewith a copy of a letter from the
Colonial Office emphasising the importance of obtaining a
complete and final list of the United Stttes claims and
expressing the opinion that every effort should be made to
ensure that the eventual oral discussions take place in
London.   A copy of the report on the question of British
sovereignty in the Phoenix and Line Islands to which
reference is made in the first paragraph of the above-
mentioned letter is also enclosed herein for your information.
2.   Y/hilst I concur in the attitude of the Secretary of
State for the Colonies as defined in the letter under
reference, Lord Lothian recorded the impression, during his
visit here in October, that the State Department were
content to defer consideration of this proolem for the time
being.   His Majesty's Government for their part have no wish
at all to do anything which might encourage the United
States Government to suggest an early date for the eventual
oral discussions.    In these circumstances I am content to
leave it to your discretion to decide at what moment the
opportunity should be taken to address representations to the
United States authorities in the sense desired.
I an:, with great truth,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(For the Secretary of State)
N.M. Butler, Esq.., C.V.O.
etc.,     etc.,     etc.J
Washington.
FKO: FRHM : DH