767.68119/227: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Special Mission at Lausanne
29. Mission’s no. 47 of December 1, noon. The following is for your guidance with respect to freedom of the Straits.
- 1.
- It should be stipulated that commercial ships shall be allowed to pass in time of peace and neutral commercial ships in time of war.
- 2.
- The right of passage of warships in time of peace should be secured although the passage of such ships might be restricted as to character and number if thought necessary. Confidentially, this is important in order that the Embassy, consulates, and citizens may be properly protected.
- 3.
- If possible the right of passage in time of war should be obtained for neutral warships.
- 4.
- It should be agreed that all fortifications be removed and none built in the future. There is no proper comparison with the Panama Canal in this matter. We have the right to fortify the Panama Canal as an artificial waterway which requires protection as such.
- 5.
- President Harding authorizes you to make statement at your
discretion, as occasion may demand, to the following effect with
respect to American membership on an international board of
control for demilitarized or neutralized zones or for
participation in the enforcement of such a status:
The American representatives do not wish to make any agreement unless it is very likely to be fulfilled. In view of the traditional American policy there can be no assurance that an undertaking for such membership or participation with the resulting involvement of the country would be given the necessary approval by the United States.
For your confidential guidance. Probably the Senate would not give its consent to a treaty with such a commitment. You should not place the United States in a position of asking for an international board of control in which the American Government would not be able to participate. The Department does not object to such control by others if there are no features involving discrimination against American transit and commercial rights. Since we cannot [Page 913] be represented on a board of control we must be content with proper treaty assurances upon the first four points outlined above.
See Hay-Pauncefote Treaty text in Malloy: Treaties, Conventions, etc.,28 for rules governing the Panama Canal. Also see the President’s proclamation of May 23, 1917.29