500.A15/686: Telegram
The Chief of the American Representation on the Preparatory Commission (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23—6:57 p.m.]
19. Morning and afternoon sessions entirely inconclusive.
Resolutions were introduced by the Bureau22 to take note of the fact that most delegates declined to accept the principle of Russian [Page 256] proposals; that some desired to refer them to their governments; that German resolution concerning publicity of armaments be deferred to second reading; and that second reading be left to president to summon at a date not later than next Assembly. No definite action was taken regarding any of them although they were discussed in the utmost confusion.
Russians stated their proposals having been rejected they would cooperate in partial disarmament and to this end the Russian delegation was introducing a new draft for which they demanded immediate first reading.23 The president ruled that this draft could not be discussed at this session. Russians objected. President then reserved his ruling declaring it to have been his personal opinion on a point which must be decided by the Commission tomorrow.
There has not been such an entirely futile and unedifying session since the Commission began.