793.94 Commission/32: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:05 p.m.]
18. The following is the text of a letter dated January 16th (translated in the Consulate) which I have received this morning:
“Dear Mr. Gilbert: I am happy to inform you that the members of the Council having accepted the composition of the Commission of Inquiry which has been proposed to them by their president, the appointment of General McCoy as a member of the Commission was today definitely confirmed. I shall be glad if you would please bring this news to the knowledge of General McCoy.
You are likewise requested to inform him that the European members of the Commission will hold a preliminary meeting at Geneva on Thursday at 11 o’clock. During the course of this meeting the date of departure for the Far East will be fixed, which will probably take place at the end of the month. They will likewise have to decide on their itinerary. It seems that they can either take the Trans-Siberian Railway or pass by the United States. The latter itinerary would present in particular the advantage of permitting the European members to meet their American colleague as early as the beginning of February on their arrival in the United States. I shall not fail to inform you immediately concerning the decision of the European members so that General McCoy may make his preparations to join them in due time.
In view of the shortness of the time it has been impossible to invite General McCoy to come to Geneva to the preliminary meeting of next Thursday. The Commission cannot therefore be considered as finally constituted until he joins it.
I think it would be useful if you would draw the attention of General McCoy particularly to the question of the chairmanship of the Commission. It is evident that this question could be settled at the Geneva meeting only if he communicated in time his opinion on this subject to his European colleagues. Doubtless you have noticed certain press information according to which the President of the Council would appoint Lord Lytton as chairman of the Commission. This information is inexact. Mr. Briand had, it is true, thought of proposing to the members of the Council to appoint Lord Lytton as chairman but it was finally deemed preferable to leave this choice to the Commission itself. I am informed, moreover, unofficially that Lord Lytton will be proposed as chairman and that he is ready to accept these duties if his colleagues agreed to this proposal, as now seems probable. I believe that in the circumstances you will consider it useful to make known to General McCoy that the European members may either choose the chairman of the Commission with his approval or, if he does not send them any message, choose a chairman provisionally.
I shall not fail to continue to give you all information concerning the Commission which would be of a nature to interest you and to interest General McCoy. Avenol, Acting Secretary General.”
- 1.
- I learn that this is regarded as a formal invitation to General McCoy and that a reply is expected.
- 2.
- I am informed that the transmission of this invitation through me arises from the present situation respecting Briand and that Briand has requested that matters concerning the commission at least for the present be cared for in Geneva.
- 3.
- It will be noted that in addition to the invitation there are other implied questions in the letter particularly those respecting the chairmanship of the Commission on which Drummond would if possible like to have an expression of General McCoy’s opinions in order that this situation may be clarified as soon as possible.
- 4.
- Drummond states that he would appreciate it if I could be present informally at the meeting on January 21 in order conveniently to apprise General McCoy of the proceedings and possibly to convey a message from General McCoy as suggested under 3 above.
- 5.
- As I may possibly be asked for information concerning General McCoy’s military status please inform me as to his status at present in relation to the Army and what his official status will be while serving on the Commission.
- 6.
- I would appreciate instructions on points raised in paragraphs 1, 3, 4, and 5 above.