File No. 763.72/3039a
The Secretary of State to Diplomatic Officers in European Countries
In an interview with the Swedish Minister on December 1, in regard to this Government’s joining the neutral governments of Europe in a conference for the consideration of certain subjects, although not formally invited to participate, I told the Minister that after very careful consideration, and after a conference with the President it had been concluded to be inadvisable for this Government to participate in the proposed conference. The reasons for this decision are that on account of our geographical location our problems in [Page 697] regard to the subjects proposed for discussion are so different from those of countries contiguous to the belligerents that there would be no common ground for discussion; that we are peculiarly related to the American republics, who were not included as possible conferees; and that it has been our policy heretofore, and it seemed to be a wise one, to act independently of other countries although, as far as possible, identically with them. The Minister said he appreciated our attitude and would communicate our decision to his Government.
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