793.94 Commission/518: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Chairman of the American Delegation to the General Disarmament Conference (Gibson)
31. Reference Gilbert’s mail despatch 395, political, October 31. If and when Sir Eric or other responsible officials of the League offer in conversation the suggestion that the Manchuria question might be turned over, either wholly or in part, to a conference called under the Nine-Power Treaty, that idea should, for the present at least, and so far as we are concerned, be discreetly discouraged. In that connection it may be said that the position of the American Government in relation to this whole question has been based primarily on its interest in and concern for the peace treaties and the principles for which they stand and that this Government has conceived from the outset that the situation created and the problems presented are of general concern. We feel that discussion at this time of a possible shifting and narrowing of the jurisdiction which has been assumed by and which belongs to the League would tend to divert attention from the real issue and would weaken the position of the League and this country in support of the peace treaties and pursuit of the common objective [Page 343] of peace. Furthermore, it should be remembered that the Nine-Power Treaty does not make provision for the calling of a conference; the parties to it are under no obligation to accept invitations to a conference, if issued; and the probability is that if such a conference were called the Japanese would refuse to attend. Therefore, the League, which both by right and in fact has been and is seized of jurisdiction over the dispute, should not even think of attempting, now at least, to shift the jurisdiction to a different body composed of the 14 Powers party to the Nine-Power Treaty. These views, if and when expression of them is called for, should be expressed in confidence.