File No. 012.2/30c
The Acting Secretary of
State to the British Ambassador on Special
Mission (
Reading)1
Washington,
July 16, 1918.
Excellency: I transmit herewith, at the
request of the Secretary of War, a memorandum prepared by him with
reference to the representative capacity in which Mr. Edward R. Stettinius, Second
Assistant Secretary of War, is proceeding to Europe to attend the
meetings of the Inter-Allied Munitions Council during his stay
abroad.
The Secretary of War is particularly anxious to have it clearly
understood by the British Government that the presence of Mr.
Stettinius in Europe and
at the meetings of the Munitions Council shall not be misunderstood,
and that the limitations upon his representative capacity are
definite, and as stated in this memorandum.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
File No. 800.24/79
Memorandum of the Secretary of War
(
Baker), Dated July 11, 1918
The Secretary of War has examined with interest the plans of the
Inter-Allied Munitions Council, and welcomes the opportunity
afforded by its organization to discuss with representatives of
the Allied Governments arrangements by which the several
munitions programs can best be met and to obtain from the Allies
the benefit of their experience. Accordingly, Mr. Edward R. Stettinius, Second
Assistant Secretary of War, who is about to sail for France in
connection with business of the War Department, has been
directed, as representative of the War Department, to attend
meetings of the Council during his stay abroad.
[Page 600]
It is understood, of course, that the functions of the Council
are purely advisory, and that all questions affecting the
allocation of materials and manufacturing facilities of the
United States, or the modification of its munitions program,
must be referred to Washington for action. Just as the British
Minister of Munitions has pointed out that he cannot place in
the hands of such a body the “right to overrule him on questions
for example of quantity of British steel to be devoted either to
merchant vessel or men-of-war construction,” just so the United
States Government is unable to delegate similar power. However,
full discussion of matters relating to munitions cannot but be
of advantage to all concerned, and the Secretary of War is glad
to avail himself of the opportunity of participating in these
discussions and thereby of obtaining the benefit of the
experience of the Allied Governments.
