711.5312Anti-War/3: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal (Dearing)
21. Your 31, August 3, 8 p.m. I fully understand the strong reasons which you advance for the inclusion of Portugal as an original signatory to the treaty for the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy and I have given this matter deep and sympathetic consideration.
[For the text of the four paragraphs here omitted, see the first four paragraphs of the memorandum quoted in the Department’s telegram No. 237, July 31, 6 p.m., to the Ambassador in France, printed on page 130.]
You can readily understand in view of the foregoing and in view of the fact that it would be out of the question to invite Portugal to be an original signatory without inviting a large number of other powers at the same time, thus delaying signature, ratification and coming into force of the treaty for a long period, that in spite of my anxiety to associate Portugal with the United States in this pact as soon as possible, I am not able to accede to the suggestion contained in your telegram.
Please take this matter up orally with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and explain these circumstances.