893.00/10961: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
230. Legation’s 549, July 7, 6 p.m. Articles No. 170, 171 and 179 of the Treaty of Versailles are among the articles of that treaty to the rights and advantages of which the United States became entitled under the treaty restoring friendly relations between United States and Germany signed at Berlin, August 25, 1921.18 See “Treaty Series” No. 658.
Department considers that, by Article 179, it is the duty of the German Government to prevent German nationals from leaving German territory to become enrolled in or attached to military services of any foreign Power in any professional capacity; and, by Article 170, to prohibit exports from Germany of arms, munitions and war material of every kind.
In case any one of your colleagues takes the initiative you are authorized to participate in discussion of possible measures on basis of Marshal Yen’s memorandum to which you refer. Make no commitment but report by telegraph.