710.11/199½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: This is very good news indeed.
I think that we need not wait for Chile’s reply after we have got the full assent of Brazil and Argentina; but I think we should have the cordial support of those two governments before laying the plan before the other governments. I am assuming that Brazil already knows that we are quite willing to entertain and discuss any modification of the arbitration clause that she may wish to suggest, provided we can be assured of the acceptance of the principle.
So soon as that is accomplished it is my idea that we should lay the plan before all the other governments (except, of course, Mexico) at one and the same time in identical notes, and that it would be well at that time to state to their representatives, unofficially and confidentially, that Brazil and Argentina had assented (and Chile, if by that time she had), for that would constitute a most influential argument for its universal acceptance.
I agree with you that it would be wise to draw and conclude the treaty in such a way that those not accepting it now would have an opportunity to accept and ratify it at any future time. But it is my present judgment that it would not be wise to let some enter upon other terms than the rest. I think the understanding should be the same for all who come in, otherwise some very confused responsibilities might arise. With several of the big States in and a number of the smaller ones, we could await the outcome with confidence.
With very happy expectations in this great matter,
Faithfully Yours,