711.5112France/387: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Herrick)5
226. Through its Ambassador at Washington the Spanish Government has made reiterated representations for inclusion as an original signatory to the treaty for the renunciation of war. I have stated [Page 125] to the Ambassador many times that this Government did not object to Spain’s becoming a party to treaty, but that question of the inclusion of further powers at time of affixing signatures was not one which I could decide alone but one on which I should have to consult the other signatory Governments. While treaty was being negotiated it was manifestly inadvisable to invite in more countries for negotiation. The British Dominions were invited, of course, at the request of the British Government, as they form an integral part of the British Empire; and Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Poland were invited at instance of France as they were original signatories to the Locarno Treaties. Were we now to extend the original signatories to take in Spain, the question will arise how many more powers will wish to come in, and whether with every additional party the risk of obtaining ratification would not be increased. Ever since unfounded statement appeared in Madrid papers that I had invited Spain to be an original party, many suggestions with regard to other countries have been carried by the press, of which the most embarrassing was suggestion in Germany with regard to Russia.
On the basis of the foregoing I should like you to consult privately with the Foreign Minister and ascertain his opinion on this subject. Telegraph result.
- The same telegram was sent to Great Britain (No. 173), Germany (No. 81), and Italy (No. 86).↩