560.M5/38: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Switzerland (Moffat)
12. You will convey in the customary manner the following note to the Secretary General of the League:
“The Acting Secretary of State of the United States of America has received, with appreciation, the note of the Secretary General of the League of Nations, dated January 18, 1930, with which he was good enough to enclose the report on the economic work of the League of Nations (Document A.68.1929.II) and a copy of the report submitted to the Council of the League by the Rapporteur on economic questions which was approved by the Council at its meeting on January 14, 1930 (Annex to C. L. 9.1930.II), and with which the Secretary General conveyed the information that the Council of the League of Nations had decided, at its meeting on January 14, 1930, to convene at Geneva on February 17, 1930, the Conference contemplated in the first part of the Tenth Assembly’s resolution dealing with the economic work of the League.
The American Government notes that the object of this Conference is defined in the resolution, which states that ‘in order that this concerted action may be pursued on a firm basis and in an atmosphere of confidence, the Assembly recommends that States which are prepared to participate therein should agree not to increase their protective tariffs above the present level for a period of from two to three years, or to impose new protective duties or create new impediments [Page 240] to trade.’ The American Government likewise notes that the resolution of the Tenth Assembly recommends ‘the establishment, if necessary, of a programme of subsequent negotiations for facilitating economic relations by all practicable means and especially by reducing hindrances to trade.’
The American Government views with approbation any endeavor to facilitate world-wide economic relations and to remove discriminatory economic measures and has, with this object, signed and ratified the Convention for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions44 and has cooperated with other international activities looking to the betterment of economic conditions throughout the world. The Government of the United States does not feel, however, that it could at this time usefully participate in the Conference to which the Secretary General’s note makes reference.
The American Government will, nevertheless, follow with sympathetic interest any action which may be taken by the States participating in this Conference to promote by non-discriminatory measures their economic welfare.”
Please inform the Secretary General that Mr. Edwin C. Wilson, First Secretary attached to the American Embassy at Paris, has been instructed to be present in Geneva during the period of the Conference and to associate himself with the American Consulate at Geneva with a view to obtaining information regarding the developments of the Conference. At the same time you will request his good offices that the Conference authorities may understand the nature of Mr. Wilson’s duties and may afford to him such facilities as may be practicable.
Repeat by mail to American Consul at Geneva and to Edwin Wilson.