500.A15A4 General Committee/792: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the American Delegate ( Wilson )
Washington
, February 20, 1934—4 p.m.
402. Your 818, February 17, 7 p.m.
- (1)
- We agree with you that the present situation calls for a further effort for a treaty with real reductions. We doubt, however, whether anything would be gained by a further generalized public statement. [Page 24] Our position has been made so abundantly clear that no further initiative or new proposals on our part would seem called for. The only Power which is still working for real reduction is Great Britain and in our opinion the most effective way in which we could help would be to indicate our general approval of the British memorandum of January 29. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Norman Davis accordingly had a long talk yesterday evening with Sir Ronald Lindsay and handed him copy of the aide-mémoire 63 which is being telegraphed you for your confidential information and guidance in my next telegram.64 Lindsay expressed the feeling that this would be welcome and helpful.
- (2)
- It is difficult at present to visualize any treaty of status quo limitation as opposed to reduction in which we would desire to participate. Such a solution of the problem would seem to be entirely a matter of European adjustment and to call for participation only by European states.
- (3)
- Norman Davis is planning to sail on Friday on the Steamship Majestic for Sweden in connection with Kreuger and Toll business. This in no way implies a lessening of interest in disarmament on either his part or on the part of this Government. He stands ready at any time to cut short his leave of absence and to resume active charge of the delegation if circumstances warrant.
Hull