The British Chargé to the Secretary of State.

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.,

Esme Howard.
[Inclosure.]

memorandum.

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.