MEMORANDUM of interview at Foreign Office with Mr. Balfour, 16th April 1940.

I discussed with Mr. Balfour the position in the U.S.A. in the light of Mr. Michael Huxley's appointment on the Embassy staff.

He said he was sure that there was no objection to the American Division having the right of direct correspondence with Huxley and, further, that the fact that the Ministry is not now represented in the States should not prevent the Ministry corresponding with the Ambassador and he with us as is the case elsewhere.

He was prepared to write to Huxley explaining the position about his corresponding direct with the American Division of the Ministry but thought that the Ministry's right to correspond with the Ambassador was clearly recognised. It does not appear that any step is required about this beyond my record of this interview.

I told Mr. Balfour that it was the view of the Ministry that the duties assigned to Mr. Huxley ought not to prejudice discussion between the two Departments about the separate representation of this Ministry in the States. I did not ask for any specific assurance in this regard because, it did not seem necessary. But I have no doubt I can obtain it if required.

(Sgd) Walter Monckton