500.A15A4 General Committee/917: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Straus )
204. For Norman Davis. I cannot help feeling that it might be possible for you to elaborate paragraph 9 of your proposed speech39 in which you deal with the traffic in arms. With this in view, I cabled Wilson asking him to telegraph me and repeat to you in Paris (a) a summary of any developments which may have occurred in this connection since Annex No. IV of Document Bureau 55; (b) the summary of a program on which, in his opinion, it may be possible to obtain [Page 70] substantial agreement at this time; (c) his recommendations as to the position which the American Delegation should adopt with reference to this question. Having received Wilson’s reply, I am now telegraphing40 him setting forth my views and suggesting that he get into touch with you by telephone.
If after consultation with Wilson you desire either to re-write paragraph 9 or to prepare an insert, please telegraph text as early as possible.