493.11/977: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Schurman)
46. Your February 28, 11 a.m. The American Government does not have any such direct interest in the controversy regarding the [Page 570] payment of the indemnity in gold francs as would lead it to offer any suggestion as to means whereby the dispute might be settled. If occasion requires, you may inform Minister for Foreign Affairs to this effect.
You are confidentially informed that should the issue be referred to the World Court while the relation of the United States to it continues as at present, the Senate not having acted on the proposal that this country accept the Court, the American Government would probably not desire to make use of its right to appear in such a case regarding the interpretation of the protocol of 1901.
[For further information regarding the attitude of the French Government on the gold franc controversy, see note from the French Ambassador, December 10, 1924, printed on page 440.]