500.A15a3/486
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Memorandum
The following personal message to the Secretary of State from the Prime Minister was delivered orally by the British Ambassador on the morning of December 12th: [Page 297]
“It is the Prime Minister’s intention to make the opening speech on quite general lines which will touch on no controversial points but will make a short survey of naval disarmament question and state the importance of the conference and the great issues and hope of peace it has in its keeping. An outline of this speech will be communicated to principal delegates of the other powers, and they will be asked privately and individually to keep their replies as far as possible, on the same lines and above all not to take up any unexceptional positions in these opening addresses, but to associate themselves with the purpose of the conference and to begin on a cordial note which each of the five leading delegates will strike. Prime Minister thinks this most important. Time for bringing forward plans will be when the first committee meets and the Prime Minister desires to come to an understanding with Mr. Stimson as to how this is to be done. There are two sets of exchanges of views which must decide how the opening movements of business are to be handled. First, those between United States and ourselves; second, those between France and Italy. Prime Minister is still studying how this can best be arranged, and when he knows how matters between France and Italy have progressed he will address Secretary of State further.
Prime Minister’s experience at such conferences has taught him that no hard and fast plan of handling can be carried out. We ought to have a general understanding, but its application depends on the moods and nature of the actual situation which has to be faced. A short conference between the Prime Minister and Secretary of State would be desirable before the first meeting of the conference.
As regards representation on committees, the Prime Minister will bear in mind what the Secretary of State says in regard to all seven members of the American delegation being absorbed on committees, and he will cooperate cordially in meeting this and similar considerations.
As regards the Dominions there will be one delegate from each Dominion and each will, we believe, want to be represented on the first committee. He would like an exchange of views with Secretary of State nearer to the time, when he will make a definite proposal as to the composition of these committees.”