500.C114/765C: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Geneva ( Rand )

[Paraphrase]

For Root. I have just talked with the President. He wished me to inquire from you if there were any chance to have advisory opinions eliminated entirely from the Court statute. He says elimination would remove last objection in United States, and ratification would be almost unanimous. He is very anxious for you to endeavor to see what can be done in this direction.

It is my understanding that there has been some discussion among members of League for elimination of advisory opinions in the Court statute and for the setting up of a Jurists Committee in the League itself for advisory opinions disconnected entirely from the Court. I do not know how much sentiment exists for this.

Kellogg