500.A15A4/2591: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the American Delegate (Wilson)
170. Your despatch 101, September 27. I am more than ever convinced that whatever treaty is drawn up on the manufacture of and traffic in arms should stand alone. The text on which you are now working is awaited with interest.
As to tactics in proposing the divorce of the traffic in arms treaty from the provisions of the General Disarmament Convention, could it not be presented as a question of such urgency that it should not await the conclusion of the General Convention, the more so as it is susceptible of independent treatment? Would not such an approach avoid the charge that we had made the first move in proposing that the conference limit its ultimate objective?
It may well be that the disinclination of European Powers to proceed further with disarmament becomes so evident that we may find it advisable to take the initiative in recognizing facts and proposing a limitation of objective. It is too early, however, to make a decision on this point. I should like you to take this up with Norman Davis when you are in London and to submit a joint recommendation as to tactics shortly before the November meeting is held.