Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1933, General, Volume I

500.A15A4/2238: Telegram

The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State

Geneva, October 16, 1933—midnight.
[Received October 16—10:15 p.m.]

754. For the President and the Secretary. Statement quoted in your 377 was given out tonight textually as sent by you, but, of course, as emanating solely from me and without reference to the fact that it had been received from Washington. Position taken in that telegram is entirely consistent not only with my own views but with the attitude I have consistently expressed here to my colleagues and to the press. All our recent discussions have been solely within the framework of the Conference and have related solely to the disarmament work.

As indicated in my 748,^87a the withdrawal of Germany from the Conference injects an entirely new element into the situation and I appreciate that every move must be most carefully scrutinized to avoid any implication that we are becoming involved in European political problems resulting from Germany’s present attitude.

The position taken by me in the Bureau in support of Simon’s declaration was pursuant to the line of policy outlined by you to maintain unity of purpose with the British, French and Italians for the achieving of disarmament, and was in accord with the President’s message of last May⁸⁸ and my statement⁸⁹ to the General Commission given with your approval at that time. Of course, the suggestion that this particular statement had any influence on Germany’s decision to withdraw is entirely unfounded.

Davis

1. October 15, midnight, p. 270.
88. Ante, p. 143.
89. See telegrams Nos. 644, 646, and 649, May 19, 20, and 21, from the Chairman of the American delegation, pp. 154, 158, and 164; also telegram No. 335, May 20, to the Chairman, p. 159.