Ambassador White to the Secretary of State.
Rome, March 1, 1907.
(Mr. White has long conversation with Professor Martens, who declares Russian Government is not opposed to disarmament discussion and does not wish to be so considered, but wants conference to proceed without friction; feels strongly if question raised it should be seriously discussed, referred to a committee for full consideration, and not disposed of in one or two sittings. In order to insure this the Russian Government considers it to be indispensable that all delegates should receive instructions based on knowledge by their Governments of what is proposed. Hence he urges that the United [Page 1103] States, or whatever nation intends introducing that subject or Drago doctrine, send Russian Government at an early date draft of proposal, which it will refer to all the Governments sending representatives, not with a view to obtaining their assent to discussion thereof, but that their delegates may be prepared for its series consideration. He says much misconception exists through ignorance of what is to be proposed and that there is a great fear in certain countries lest something impossible for them to accept be suddenly sprung upon the conference.)