462.00 R 294/220: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:10 p.m.]
255. W–50. This is in reply to your W–41, May 22, 5 p.m.
A meeting has been called for 3:30 tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon for signing the agreement. According to my information the following provision has been added: “The present agreement will come into force after ratification; ratifications will be exchanged at Paris as soon as possible.” It is my understanding that the meaning of these words is intended to be such ratification as under the constitutional provisions of each signatory power may be necessary. According to Tannery this means parliamentary approval by Belgium and France. The view that ratification by British Parliament is not necessary is informally expressed by Bradbury. I do not know what the situation is regarding Italy but Tannery is inclined to believe that ratification by Italy will be necessary. Please cable instructions. The agreement of March 11, 1922, Tannery claims was subject to the same form of ratification (see page 14 of the notes of the March 10th meeting21).
According to Bradbury, identical note was to be handed simultaneously to Embassies at Brussels, Rome, London, Paris. No note has yet been received here but assume it will be identical with the Belgian note referred to in Brussels telegram no. 49, May 22, 3 p.m.
With reference to your W–41, your understanding is correct as to the omission of the second paragraph of article 6.
I understand from later information that signature will not be possible before Monday. Wadsworth.
- Not printed.↩