Office of the Historian

500.A15A4/794: Telegram

The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State

Geneva, January 31, 1932—11 p.m.
[Received January 31—10:07 p.m.16]

2. Your 23, January 29, 7 p.m.,17 to Berne. I today read to the delegates your suggested opening speech. They were exceedingly [Page 17] pleased with your approach to the problem. Following your suggestion we have put in some alterations in phraseology and two additional paragraphs and to avoid any confusion I am re-telegraphing the entire amended text as my number 3, January 31, 12 p.m.18

The first addition of substance is the introductory paragraph. This is inspired by a state of mind which is apparent on the Continent. Bruening’s recent statement relative to reparations has brought about for the first time in 13 years real discussion as to the realities of the continental situation. There is general questioning even of such fundamental law as the peace treaties which it has previously been considered heretical even to question. In other words Bruening’s statement plus the action of our Congress relative to debts19 has brought about a new standard of frankness in the discussion of pending problems. We think it advisable and helpful to encourage this state of mind. The paragraph also seems a logical introduction for the admirable exposition you have furnished us.

The other additional or anti-penultimate paragraph recites briefly the President’s analysis of the forces required for the maintenance of internal order and those for defense. This would enable the delegation at a later date to refer to its opening speech when occasion comes to amplify it.

The other changes are of phraseology in the interest of clarity and more lucid translation.

As matters now stand it appears probable that there will be no appropriate occasion to deliver this address for several days but Ave should be glad to have your views as soon as convenient.

Gibson
  1. Telegram in two sections.↩
  2. Not printed.↩
  3. Extract printed infra. ↩
  4. For correspondence relative to Congressional approval of the Hoover Moratorium, see Foreign Relations, 1931, vol. i, p. 240.↩