§ 32. Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that an important letter from Mr. John Snyder, Secretary to the U.S. Treasury, dated 31st October, 1946, did not reach the Chancellor of the Exchequer until 27th November; whether His Majesty's Embassy were aware of the existence of this letter before it was delivered; whether he received any information with regard to its contents by telegram; and what was the reason for the delay in transit.
§ Mr. MayhewThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As to the remaining parts, the hon. Member is not perhaps aware that the letter was despatched through United States channels. His Majesy's Government could obviously take no cognisance of it before it was delivered.
§ Mr. BoothbyMay I ask whether His Majesty's Government were informed—whether they took official cognisance of it was another matter—of the contents of this letter by telegram from Washington?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. At Washington we knew the letter was coming, but we did not know the contents.