The British Chargé to
the Secretary of State.
British Embassy,
Washington, March 22,
1907.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: My Government have
instructed the British ambassador at St. Petersburg to make a
communication to the Russian Government in the sense of the
accompanying memorandum, respecting the discussion of the question
of expenditure on armaments at the Peace Conference.
I am now directed to inform you of the action of His Majesty’s
Government.
I have the honor, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
memorandum.
British Embassy,
Washington, March 22, 1907.
His Majesty’s Government have informed the Russian Government
that they reserve the right to raise the question of expenditure
upon armaments at the forthcoming Peace Conference, and attach
importance to the discussion of this question.
It has been suggested that the Russian Government should state
this in the invitation issued to the nations represented at the
conference.
The Russian Government has furthermore been informed by His
Majesty’s Government that they (His Majesty’s Government) would
agree that the question should, when received, be referred to a
committee representing the great powers, and that this committee
should report to the conference.
In the opinion of His Majesty’s Government this committee should
not be composed of military and naval experts. These might,
however, attend in a special capacity.