Cablegram 16 LONDON, 31 May 1940, 10 p.m.
IMMEDIATE FOR MR CASEY HIMSELF PERSONALLY
Your telegram No. 29. [2]
Halifax [3] asked me to convey his appreciation of your presentation of position [to] Sumner Welles [4] which he considers admirable.
As I felt effect might be prejudiced if (it was) thought here your action has been prompted by me, I substituted in second paragraph for reference to my opinion ‘my information was that opinion was strongly held’.
I also eliminated third paragraph as I felt it would be considered particularly by the Prime Minister [5] too defeatist and would prevent cable receiving consideration it deserves.
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1 Although received in the Legation at this time, the cablegram was not delivered to Casey until 9.30 a.m. on 1 June 1940.
2 Document 319.
3 U.K. Foreign Secretary.
4 U.S. Under-Secretary of State.
5 Winston S. Churchill.
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[AA: A3300, 47]