500.A16/65
Statement by the American Representative (Wilson) in the Fourth Meeting of the Second Session of the Special Commission, August 29, 192860
Yesterday the discussion turned on the question of aviation, and certain reserves were made, which make it essential, in our opinion, to offer a statement.
The American Government has consistently urged the fullest publicity for all production of war material of both private and public manufacture.
In submitting a reserve to Article 1, category 4, which I am about to offer, I desire to state that full information concerning the production in the United States of America of aircraft and aircraft engines for civil and commercial purposes is available to the public in Government publications.
From this fact it is evident that no question can arise of the good faith of my Government in this matter; nor can anyone surmise that we suggest the possibility of limitation of Category 4 for the purposes of secrecy. Nevertheless, in the Preparatory Commission for Disarmament, and in various subcommittees growing out of that Commission, the American representatives have never failed to make clear our point of view that limitation of civil and commercial aircraft is unacceptable.
Lest any doubt in the future should arise as to our attitude on this point, we think it advisable to insert a note explaining that in this Draft Convention we do not change our attitude as to our views against the incorporation of all aircraft and aircraft motors as implements of war, as they are described under the heading of Article l.61