861.77 Chinese Eastern/691
Statement by the Secretary of State Issued to the Press on December 4, 1929
I have seen the text of the Russian memorandum63 as reported in the press. Between co-signatories of the Pact of Paris it can never be rightly thought unfriendly that one nation calls to the attention of another its obligations or the dangers to peace which from time to time arise. As far back as The Hague Convention of 1899 the nations of the world agreed that strangers to a dispute, on their own initiative, could make suggestions looking for peace between the states which were at variance and that the exercise of that right is not to be regarded by the parties in conflict as an unfriendly act.64 This was reaffirmed again in 190765 and has been the recognized rule ever since.
The message of the American Government was sent not from unfriendly motives but because this Government regards the Pact of Paris as a covenant which has profoundly modified the attitude of the world towards peace and because this Government intends to shape its own policy accordingly. In the language of the joint statement issued by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Great Britain on October tenth last “both our governments resolve to accept the Peace Pact not only as a declaration of good intentions but as a positive obligation to direct national policy in accordance with its pledge”.66 The present declaration of the authorities of Russia that they are now proceeding with direct negotiations which will make possible the settlement of the conflict is not the least significant evidence to show that the public opinion [Page 389] of the world is a live factor which can be promptly mobilized and which has become a factor of prime importance in the solution of the problems and controversies which may arise between nations.
- See telegram No. 550, December 7, from the Chargé in France, p. 404.↩
- See Foreign Relations, 1899, pp. 521, 523 (art. III).↩
- ibid., 1907, pt. 2, pp. 1181, 1182 (art. III).↩
- See vol. iii, p. 34.↩