560.M3/32: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson)
67. Your 64, June 27, 5 p.m. paragraph numbered 1. The last paragraph on page 4 of Department’s instruction No. 23726 suggests possible recognition in procès-verbal that certain particular articles, exception of which from the application of the Convention is demanded by particular countries, may be considered as falling within the stated general exceptions of the Convention. Such recognition would doubtless determine the interpretation of the Convention so far as the articles and countries named are concerned.
The second paragraph on page 527 was inserted because it is deemed important that such interpretation be not used as a precedent for a loose interpretation of the Convention so as to except from its application similar articles or the same articles in respect of other countries. Accordingly, if such exceptions are recognized by the Conference [Page 383] in order to bridge over present difficulties, it is important that a clause be inserted in the procès-verbal safeguarding against the extension of such interpretation of the Convention to cases that may arise at a future time.
Department intended this portion of its instruction No. 237 as suggestive only, leaving to your discretion the question whether or how far it is feasible.
Please inform Department concerning the time you will arrive at Geneva.…