711.8312Anti-War/12

The Chargé in Egypt ( Winship ) to the Secretary of State

No. 30

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my cable of September 3, 6 P.M., No. 35,49 to the effect that the Egyptian Government has by an official Note adhered to the Multilateral Treaty for the Renunciation of War. The Note, with translation, is enclosed herewith, and is self explanatory, but it is of interest and important to note that in handing same to me the Minister of Foreign Affairs drew special attention to the fifth paragraph which does not admit or recognize the possible insertion or application of any reservation whatsoever as regards Egypt.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs asked me not to cable this but to make it plain in my despatch that Egypt adhered to the Treaty as signed in Paris without admitting any possible British reservation.

The text of the enclosed Note will be given to the local press today. Clippings for this week on the pact will be included in the Press Report unless something of exceptional importance appears.

I have [etc.]

North Winship
[Enclosure—Translation]

The Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs ( Afifi ) to the American Chargé ( Winship )

No. 6. R. 14/6

Mr. Chargé d’Affaires: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Note of the 27th of August by which you have been so kind as to inform me of the signature, at Paris on the same day, of the Treaty solemnly proclaiming the abolition of war as an instrument of national policy, and to transmit to me with the text of the Treaty the invitation of the Government of the United States to adhere to it.

Confident of being the faithful interpreter of the sentiments of the Egyptian people, the Royal Government takes pleasure to express to you its most hearty approval of the lofty purpose which led the Government of the United States to propose and conclude in the form of a Multilateral pact, the Treaty carrying the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy. It renders homage to the untiring activity of the Government of the United States and to its high authority as well as to the invalujable co-operation of the other Great Powers which have succeeded in transforming the beneficient idea that war is beyond the law—to an international obligation.

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The Egyptian Government is pleased at the offer which has been so cordially extended to it to bring its own assistance to this great and generous enterprise and to assist in this way to assure the universality of the Treaty.

It has even more the sincere desire and the indefectible wish that peace is for Egypt not only a national temperament but even a necessity for preservation. The renunciation by her as well as by the other signing States or adherents to the pact of war as an instrument of national policy would be for Egypt the best guaranty of security and the beginning of the development in order and progress.

It is for this reason the Egyptian Government declares fully to adhere to the pact just as it was signed at Paris, without this adherence at any time being construed as an admission of any reserve whatever made on the subject of this pact.

The Egyptian Government is convinced that the new Treaty will establish solid foundations for peace and security of the world, that it will lead to greater solidarity among the people and in consequence a fertile co-operation for the progress of humanity and finally that it will profoundly and favorably influence international relations.

Be so kind [etc.]

H. Afifi
  1. Not printed.