500.A15A4 General Committee/152: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 2—10 a.m.]
523. Your 285 January 28, 2 p.m. We have talked to Massigli,15 in the absence of Boncour16 who will not reach Geneva until Saturday, and certain other people and now feel that as matters are shaping it may be wise to make a brief statement.
We have drafted an outline in which we have endeavored to follow your views. You may think that this covers the necessities of the situation so far as the American aspect goes and we are inclined to think that it covers it from this point of view.
The debate will probably continue through Friday and Saturday, we therefore hope for your comment tomorrow morning if possible.
Text follows:
“The authors of the project now before us have explained that its essential aim is to bring about on the continent of Europe a sense of security. This, in their opinion, will render possible more substantial measures of disarmament than they are willing now to contemplate. We recognize the deep importance which many states attach to this form of solution. Inasmuch, however, as the plan is designed to solve a Continental problem I do not feel that we are called upon at this stage to express an opinion as to how far it will fulfill its purpose. We hope, however, that this discussion will lead to the acceptance of definite measures of reduction, which after all is the purpose of our conference.
[Page 9]Inasmuch as the European aspect of the French plan is its basis, this basis must be dealt with before we can profitably discuss its other aspects and I shall not therefore offer at this time any comment on that phase of the French plan which concerns non-Continental states and non-members of the League of Nations. To do this before the basis itself is established would be hypothetical rather than real.
For practical purposes it is sufficient to say at this time what the American Government can do is a matter perhaps for future discussion; what it will be disposed to do will be largely determined by the measure of actual reduction which the Conference may achieve.”