Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 2, 1913

File No. 839.00/907.

The Secretary of State to the American Minister.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

Department of State,
Washington, October 4, 1913.

The agreement should be put in writing so that no misunderstanding of promises by either side need occur; but it should not be construed as a treaty.

A temporary agreement is better than none, as it gives time for removing the causes of trouble.

I am gratified at your management of the affair. Use your persuasive powers to the utmost to prevent hostilities and to secure a basis upon which peace may be permanently restored.

Bryan.