Mr. White to Mr. Hay.
London, December 22, 1902.
(Mr. White reports that Lord Lansdowne, with whom he has just had an interview, says that his Government does not feel disposed to [Page 460] modify in any way the suggestion already made that the President of the United States should act as arbitrator, as they are very desirous that he should do so. Lord Lansdowne pointed out that according to the newspapers the proposal had been received with marked approval on both sides of the ocean, and seemed to think that if accepted it would inspire an amount of confidence which would be the case with no other arbitrator. Mr. White then asked Lord Lansdowne whether, if the President should be unable to see his way to act, the British Government would consent to The Hague tribunal, to which Lord Lansdowne replied that they would, but that he hoped very much the President would not decline.
Mr. White has not yet received the arbitration conditions and reservations. Lord Lansdowne said the delay was caused by necessity for further reference to Germany, whose reply is awaited hourly, and that he hoped to be able to communicate them to Mr. White in time for them to be communicated to the Department to-night. Lord Lansdowne also said that the British and German notes will not be identic.)