574.D1/5: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
3034. For Polk.
Your 3928, August 28, 11 A.M.
Preliminary study of facilities for world wide communications is to be at Washington meeting. No preliminary meeting necessary. You are referred to the text of the resolution adopted by the principal powers, which sets forth the matters to be considered and provides that the Washington meeting is to be for discussion and recommendation to the principal powers and makes it plain that it is expected to be the first meeting. Under the circumstances you will appreciate that we do not care to participate in a preliminary conference.
The discussion of persons to be appointed as delegates is consequently unnecessary at present. I understand that the President has some definite ideas as to who our representatives shall be.
There will be no objection on the part of the United States to the discussion at the Washington meeting of the topic which Italy wishes to bring up.
If October is too early the meeting may be postponed till the end of November, but we consider it desirable that the Conference shall be held in Washington rather than in Paris.