711.0012Anti-War/197: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Herrick)
258. Your 230, August 13, 6 p.m. I do not desire to pass upon form of French Government’s notification to Russia that treaty has been signed and that Soviet regime may adhere to it, as that is a matter which should be left to the Foreign Office’s wise discretion and does not in the least concern this Government. Please inform Foreign Office that I am happy to learn that France will approach Russia in this matter and that I am very glad to entrust the form and substance of the communication to their good judgment.
The question of notifying Russia has no connection with the procedure I desire to follow with respect to all other countries (refer to my telegram No. 247, August 8, 3 p.m.). I assume from your telegrams that that procedure is entirely agreeable to France, but I should be glad to have an explicit assurance on that point immediately so that the circular telegram to the proper diplomatic missions may be despatched without any more delay. Questions continue to arise about participation by other powers, and if our missions could all be informed promptly of situation, they would be able to deal with matter and not have to telegraph individual inquiries to the Department. I deem it very important that the other countries of the world should know that as soon as the treaty is signed they will have presented to them a formal communication asking them if they desire to participate in the treaty by adherence.