500.A15A4 Plenary Sessions/21: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 17—4:25 p.m.]
36. We have given continued thought to how we could advantageously participate again in the debate of the plenary sessions with a view to utilizing the special qualifications of one or more of our delegates. It appears, however, that the plenary sessions will probably close within a few days and that no delegation will make a second speech with the exception of the German delegate who is depositing and explaining the project referred to by the Chancellor in his opening speech.
In a meeting of the delegation today we canvassed various subjects which might profitably be put forward in a second pronouncement by the American delegation but we are agreed that under the circumstances it would be wise to conform to the general practice and to reserve further statements for the public meetings of the general commission which will begin after the close of the plenary sessions. We feel that our opening statement has been well received and that it would be unwise to take the risk of detracting from the first impression by any further pronouncement at this time.