500.A15a3/790: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Stimson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received March 27—11:40 a.m.]
165. Referring to your telegram No. 265, March 26. We have no idea of following the form of the Four-Power Pacific Treaty, as we are already fully aware of the dangers. We have also been considering the advisability of ascertaining the extent to which the French would be willing to reduce their building program, before we bind ourselves [Page 87] to any formal pact whatever. We are of the opinion that this is an express condition of the negotiations the British and French are now carrying on. I have had in mind, in addition to the limitation proposed in paragraph 4 of our cable3 as to the discussion being limited to methods for pacific settlement, a limitation somewhat as follows:
“The United States’ obligation shall extend only to an examination of the situation as it may affect the interests of her nationals and of herself”.
Before consenting to the use of her fleet it is Britain’s desire to ascertain the effect which such use would have upon United States trade and policy and the above would be in line with her desire to obtain this information.
This matter is being discussed by our delegation today; I shall consult you, of course, as to the form which seems most acceptable to us just as soon as we reach an agreement and I shall get your views before submitting or proposing it to other parties. I hope you will keep me promptly posted as to the President’s views as they may develop, as matters are now moving rather rapidly.