List of Papers
(Unless otherwise specified, the correspondence is from or to officials in the Department of State.)
GENERAL
THE CONFERENCE FOR THE REDUCTION AND LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS, GENEVA: 1934 PHASE
I. Parallel and Bilateral Negotiations, January 1–May 12, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 2 (407) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain
Comments concerning probable attitude which the British Government will assume with respect to disarmament policy and German rearmament question at Cabinet meeting scheduled for January 10. |
1 |
| Jan. 4 (7) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to ascertain from Massigli, French delegate to the General Disarmament Conference, the latest situation with respect to convening the Bureau and the subject matter to be discussed; information that the American delegates (Norman Davis and Hugh Wilson) would find it inconvenient to arrive in Geneva before approximately January 27. |
4 |
| Jan. 5 (5) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information from Anthony Eden, British delegate, that a Council meeting will be held on January 15 at which time Arthur Henderson, President of the Conference, will consider the date for summoning the Bureau. Advice that Eden is optimistic over conciliatory nature of French aide-mémoire delivered to Hitler January 1. |
4 |
| Jan. 5 (806) |
From the Adviser to the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference (tel.) Conversation with Avenol, Secretary-General of League of Nations, and Aghnides, Director of League Disarmament Section, with a view to ascertaining local opinions in regard to the next meetings of the Bureau or the General Commission. |
5 |
| Jan. 12 (9) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Views of Foreign Minister, Sir John Simon, concerning probable date for Bureau meeting and German position in Franco-German conversations. |
6 |
| 1934 Jan. 22 (811) |
From the Adviser to the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference (tel.) Information that discussion at the Council meeting was limited almost entirely to the question of convocation of the Bureau; understanding that at the meeting of the officers at London on February 13, the Bureau will be convoked at once if there seems to be no likelihood of success of the Franco-German negotiations, but if negotiations appear hopeful, convocation of the Bureau will be postponed. |
7 |
| Jan. 23 (48) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice that a copy of the German reply to the French memorandum of January 1 has been obtained; Foreign Office opinion that it does not offer any basis for agreement. |
9 |
| Jan. 23 (567) |
From the Ambassador in France
Transmittal of text of the German reply to the French memorandum; comments concerning French attitude. |
9 |
| Jan. 26 (17) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Discussion with Henderson and Eden of proposed British reply to a German memorandum of January 19; opinion that United States should take no part in its preparation. |
11 |
| Jan. 29 (21) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information concerning content of British reply to German note. |
13 |
| Jan. 29 (23) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Informal conversation with Prime Minister MacDonald during which he referred to the British reply to the German note which he had discussed with the French on January 27, the date of resignation of the Chautemps ministry. |
15 |
| Feb. 1 |
Memorandum by the Chargé in Great Britain
Conversation with Sir Robert Vansittart, Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, concerning developments in connection with the British memorandum to Germany. |
16 |
| Feb. 5 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
British Ambassador’s inquiry as to U. S. attitude regarding the British memorandum and the Secretary’s reply that the U. S. Government would not become involved politically in the proposal outlined. |
18 |
| Feb. 9 (814) |
From the American Delegate to the Disarmament
Conference (tel.) British consideration of a plan for a meeting between Germany and a number of Bureau representatives in a place other than Geneva in an effort to achieve some measure of accord before a formal meeting of any body of the Conference. |
18 |
| Feb. 13 (52) |
From the British Ambassador
Transmittal of text of British memorandum on disarmament, dated January 29. |
19 |
| 1934 Feb. 17 (38) |
From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office view that French aide-mémoire to Germany dated February 14 constitutes no advance whatever in Franco-German armament negotiations; advice that no reply will be made until after Eden’s visit to Germany on February 19. |
20 |
| Feb. 17 (817) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Observations of Avenol and Aghnides, who have just returned to Geneva, concerning the unstable European situation; Avenol’s account of French and British conviction that Germany is rearming, and his opinion that the French Government is sympathetic with Italian memorandum based on status quo “limitation” rather than reduction. |
20 |
| Feb. 17 (818) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Opinion that little hope is left for obtaining a treaty based on reduction but that if the U. S. Government still wishes to make an effort for one, the present is the time for action before the situation crystallizes on an accord for status quo limitation. |
21 |
| Feb. 19 |
To the British Embassy
U. S. views in reply to the British memorandum on disarmament, expressing accord with principles of British suggestions but with reservations on a few technical points. |
22 |
| Feb. 20 (402) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Department’s opinion that the most effective way to further efforts toward treaty for reduction of armaments would be to give general U. S. approval of the British memorandum, as indicated by the U. S. aide-mémoire of February 19. |
23 |
| Feb. 20 (52) |
To the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to arrange an opportunity for an exchange of views between the Prime Minister and Norman Davis who will pass through London soon on his way to Stockholm on other matters. |
24 |
| Feb. 20 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs
Italian Ambassador’s submission of text of recent Mussolini disarmament proposals; Norman Davis’ comment that Italian proposals are a negation of the disarmament idea, and that United States intends to support the British proposals. |
25 |
| Feb. 22 (819) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Suggestion that Germany be apprised of the content of U. S. memorandum of February 19 to the British Embassy, in view of ultimate effect that German attitude may have on reduction discussions. |
26 |
| Feb. 23 (42) |
From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Advice of favorable German attitude toward the British plan; Eden’s expectation of success in Rome but difficulty in Paris. |
26 |
| Feb. 26 (44) |
From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Supplementary information concerning German position on the British proposal. |
26 |
| 1934 Mar. 1 (36) |
From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Italian willingness to accept the British plan provided exact definitions of certain terms are forthcoming. |
27 |
| Mar. 7 (50) |
From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Conversation with Hitler, who expressed approval of U. S. comments on British memorandum but maintained silence when asked whether he would consent to an international conference. |
28 |
| Mar. 12 (146) |
From the Ambassador in Belgium
Discussion with the Foreign Minister of the Prime Minister’s speech of March 6 concerning Belgian attitude toward German rearmament. |
28 |
| Mar. 14 (52) |
From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Résumé of significant points of German aide-mémoire in reply to French note of February 14, setting forth German attempt to allay certain French misapprehensions and approving Italian and British proposals as tending to facilitate the solution. |
32 |
| Mar. 19 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the French Ambassador concerning French reply to British memorandum on disarmament and the European situation in general. |
33 |
| Mar. 23 (822) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information that the French reply to British memorandum, which will be made public shortly, expresses desire to terminate the Disarmament Conference by a meeting of the General Commission and thereby pave the way for proposals toward a “status quo limitation treaty” in which the French would be willing to participate. |
34 |
| Mar. 28 (117) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Norman Davis (Chairman of American delegation): Request for analysis of present and probable future developments and suggestions as to best U. S. course of procedure in view of present disarmament situation. |
34 |
| Mar. 31 (143) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Opinion as to the advisability of reiterating the importance of a real disarmament agreement and U. S. willingness to cooperate fully in efforts toward general reduction and limitation of armaments provided the matter is to be treated as a world problem and not as a purely European one. |
35 |
| Apr. 2 (130) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Comments on ideas set forth in telegram No. 143, March 31 (supra). |
37 |
| Apr. 3 (824) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information on favorable Franco-British negotiations to strengthen the guarantees of execution; opinion that the French will endeavor to prevent action of the Conference from interfering with such negotiations. |
38 |
| 1934 Apr. 5 (153) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Observations as to advisability of attendance at Bureau meeting on April 10, and opinion that meeting of the General Commission would offer a better opportunity for restatement of U. S. position; proposed draft statement (text printed) to be made should a treaty of limited scope be contemplated. |
39 |
| Apr. 6 (154) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Advice that Henderson and Aghnides have no definite information as to who will attend the Bureau meeting and what is likely to transpire; request for opinion as to advisability of Davis’ own attendance. |
41 |
| Apr. 6 (155) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with Sir John Simon and Anthony Eden concerning position likely to be taken by British upon receipt of French reply to last British note, dated March 28; British desire for statement of U. S. position inasmuch as any British action would be made conditional upon U. S. attitude. |
42 |
| Apr. 6 (138) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Opinion that it would be advisable for Wilson to attend the Bureau meeting and for Davis to return to Washington for consultation prior to the meeting of the General Commission. |
44 |
| Apr. 7 (156) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Norman Davis: Concurrence in Department’s view and request for approval of proposed explanation to the press concerning reason for nonattendance at Bureau meeting. |
45 |
| Apr. 7 (142) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Approval of suggested press statement. |
45 |
| Apr. 10 (826) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Report of the meeting of the Bureau at which various speakers reiterated their Governments’ desire for the prompt conclusion of an agreement containing real disarmament, the most important of which was Eden’s declaration. |
45 |
| Apr. 11 (408) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Advice of Department’s statement at press conference concerning Wilson’s attendance at Bureau meeting. |
46 |
| Apr. 12 (830) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Further information as to British disarmament proposal, especially with respect to guarantees of execution and possible U. S. commitments. |
46 |
| Apr. 15 (832) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information that after some months the idea of reduction has again been raised; opinion that opportunity now exists to use U. S. influence in favor of reduction by marking U. S. preference for the maintenance of the present basis of the Conference. |
48 |
| 1934 Apr. 19 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Receipt of copy of French reply to the British note of March 28 on disarmament. |
51 |
| Apr. 19 (833) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Opinion that it might be advisable to postpone any decision on suggestions set forth in telegram No. 832, April 15, until effect of most recent French note to Great Britain can be ascertained. |
51 |
| Apr. 19 (181) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information that tone of French reply came as a complete surprise to the British Government; Foreign Office concurrence in Henderson’s desire to postpone Bureau meeting for a week. |
51 |
| Apr. 20 (308) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice that conversations between Embassy officials and the French Government confirm the fact that the French note on disarmament marks a fundamental change in French policy; explanation of French position demanding a complete break in negotiations and rejecting the British plan as basis for agreement. |
52 |
| Apr. 20 (78) |
From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Italian anxiety over French note to Great Britain and opinion that Geneva meeting is foredoomed to failure; consideration of possibility of a four-power meeting in Rome or London, following Geneva meeting, as a last measure to secure some kind of an armament agreement. |
54 |
| Apr. 20 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the German Ambassador concerning German reaction to French reply and the Ambassador’s offer to submit figures with regard to the German budget for military purposes. |
55 |
| Apr. 21 |
From the German Ambassador
Transmittal of budget plan of the Reich for 1934–35 (text printed). |
56 |
| Apr. 23 (834) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Communication from Henderson, President of the Conference, to members of the Bureau (text printed), with respect to postponement of the Bureau meeting until May 29, the same day on which the General Commission is scheduled to meet. |
58 |
| Apr. 25 (411) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Instructions to address a communication to Henderson informing him of U. S. concurrence in the proposed change in dates. |
58 |
| May 1 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs
Exchange of views with the Italian Ambassador concerning the disarmament negotiations. |
59 |
| 1934 May 2 (835) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information that Henderson desires to go to Paris to discuss disarmament in his capacity as rapporteur for security questions, and that the French have consented. |
60 |
| May 2 (84) |
From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Conversation with Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Suvich, who reiterated views reported in telegram No. 78, April 20. |
61 |
| May 8 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State to the
Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs
President’s desire that Davis return to Geneva for the assembling of the Disarmament Conference on May 29 and that he present an expression of the U. S. Government’s views. |
61 |
| May 9 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs
Telephone conversation with Davis, who was informed of the President’s desire to confer with him concerning German rearmament before his departure for Geneva. |
62 |
| May 12 (836) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Report of Henderson’s interview with the French Foreign Minister, who stated that the French note of April 17 represented exactly the present French position but insisted that the note left the door open. |
62 |
II. Meeting of the Bureau and General Commission, May 16–June 12, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 16 (838) |
From the American Delegate to the General Disarmament
Conference (tel.) Advice that definite estimate as to what will take place in the General Commission on May 29 is still premature. Secretary-General Avenol’s desire to advance proposal for returning the disarmament question to the Council; opposition of Henderson and Aghnides. |
63 |
| May 17 (259) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For the Secretary and Davis: Opinion that the Conference is doomed; also that a strong part of British officialdom is not prepared for any discussions with the United States as yet. |
65 |
| May 18 (839) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Account of arrival in Geneva of Litvinov, Chairman of the Soviet delegation, who is apparently willing to discuss security matters from a European as well as a universal point of view, a factor to which the French attach great importance. |
67 |
| May 23 (414) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Request for report and recommendations concerning the work of the Committee for the Regulation of the Trade in and the Private and State Manufacture of Arms and Implements of War. |
67 |
| 1934 May 24 (840) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information in reply to Department’s telegram No. 414, May 23; inquiry as to U. S. attitude toward a separate convention on the regulation of manufacture and trade in arms in the event that no general convention is realizable. |
68 |
| May 24 (415) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Advice that the U. S. Government would be prepared to enter into a separate convention under certain conditions. |
69 |
| May 24 (204) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Davis: Instructions to consider, after consultation with Wilson, an elaboration of proposed speech with respect to paragraph on traffic in arms, and to inform Department of revised text. |
69 |
| May 25 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Substance of a conversation between M. Francqui, a Belgian special representative, and President Roosevelt, during which the President advanced his position with respect to disarmament, including sanctions against Germany in the event of its nonparticipation. (Footnote: Information that no further record of this proposal by the President for the use of sanctions has been found in Department files.) |
70 |
| May 26 (392) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with Barthou, chairman of the French delegation, who reiterated the French position as outlined in French note of April 17. |
71 |
| May 27 (842) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Views concerning three possible methods of dealing with the traffic in arms question, and request for views of the President, the Army, and the Navy. |
73 |
| May 28 (846) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of meeting of Bureau, at which Henderson expressed hope for the Bureau’s recommendation that the General Commission continue its efforts to arrive at a disarmament convention. |
74 |
| May 28 (417) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) President’s approval of first method advanced by Davis in telegram No. 842, May 27 (national regulation of production and control of exports), provided that an international system of inspection is organized to supervise the operation of the plan. |
75 |
| May 29 (849) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Observations concerning the European situation in view of the fact of German rearmament; comments as to possible attitudes which the various Governments will assume in the General Commission. |
76 |
| May 29 (850) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the President and the Secretary: Request for confirmation of understanding as to U. S. position to be taken and maintained in the General Commission. |
77 |
| 1934 May 29 (852) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Résumé of meeting of the General Commission at which Davis’ speech was well received; Litvinov’s declaration of Soviet policy. |
78 |
| May 29 |
Press Release Issued by the Department of State
Text of statement by Davis at the General Commission. |
79 |
| May 30 (418) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Concurrence in views of Davis as to the essential purpose of his efforts at Geneva; request for clarification, however, as to certain details envisaged in pursuing the prescribed course of action. |
83 |
| May 30 (853) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion that the crux of the situation lies in the fact that a decision has to be made as to whether there shall be unlimited German rearmament without a treaty or a legalization of a limited rearmament with control under a treaty. |
83 |
| May 30 (854) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that Simon’s primary concern in his speech at the General Commission was with the basic problem of reconciling French and German divergences; Barthou’s reply, attacking Simon’s definition of the French position. |
84 |
| May 31 (856) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Henderson’s decision to call off any further speeches in the General Commission in view of the embarrassing situation created by Barthou’s speech; his intention to propose an adjournment with the understanding that he, as President of the Conference, would visit Berlin and other capitals and try to get an agreed basis for proceeding with the Conference. |
86 |
| May 31 (857) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Explanation of factors involved in British-French rift; opinion that it would be advisable to maintain impartiality and not jeopardize position as a possible conciliator between the two. |
86 |
| May 31 (858) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information concerning French desire to keep the Conference going, although a recess might be necessary, and apparent wish to close the rift with the British before the recess; comments as to French plans to complete their “Eastern Locarno” agreements which would give the French people a feeling of confidence where Germany is concerned. |
87 |
| June 1 (859) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that work is going forward on a plan for the application of a regime of international inspection in connection with the national control of traffic in arms to be incorporated either in a general disarmament treaty or in a separate treaty; request for Department’s views. |
88 |
| June 1 (561) |
From the Ambassador in Italy
Report on the political situation in various. European countries as viewed by the Italian Government. |
88 |
| 1934 June 2 (862) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of reconciliation between Simon and Barthou; disinclination of the British, however, to wait indefinitely for France to complete her so-called Eastern Locarno before cooperating on the disarmament question. |
94 |
| June 2 (866) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of a possible plan to reconcile the differences between the French, British, and German points of view, in order to resume negotiations under the auspices of the Conference; request for instructions as to the position to be taken by American delegates concerning the question at the forthcoming Bureau meeting. |
95 |
| June 3 (421) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that U. S. policy should be to encourage the Germans to return to the Conference and the French to meet them half way. |
97 |
| June 4 (868) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of wide divergences in the General Commission which have brought the Conference to a grave crisis; intention to offer a compromise resolution at the Bureau meeting, June 5, in an open effort to save the Conference. |
98 |
| June 4 (869) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Henderson’s statement at the Bureau that the time has come to deal with the main political differences and to reconcile the divergences between the four great powers in order to secure the return of Germany to the Conference and the League; postponement of discussion of the problem until June 5, however, in view of widening breach which ensued during discussions following the statement. |
99 |
| June 4 (870) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Text of resolution proposed by Davis concerning reconciliation of differences between the French, Italians, British, and Germans. |
100 |
| June 5 (871) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Decision not to present the proposed resolution in view of tense situation in Bureau. |
101 |
| June 5 (872) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Decision of Henderson to present a proposal himself, taking as a basis the U. S. draft; advice, however, that even this proposal may be rejected by the French due to the influence exercised upon them by Litvinov, who is opposed to any effort to bring the Germans back into the negotiations. |
102 |
| June 5 (425) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Department’s program for securing agreement on the traffic in arms question, the main effort of which would be to secure ratification by as many governments as possible of the Arms Traffic Convention of 1925 and a revision of the proposed draft convention of 1929 relative to manufacture of arms. |
102 |
| 1934 June 5 (873) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information that presentation of Henderson’s resolution in the Bureau meeting drew the lines of divergence even more strongly than in any previous session and brought forth charges of partiality by Barthou against Henderson. |
104 |
| June 6 (426) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information concerning a news report from Paris in which the United States is charged with subservience to British policy; advice that at a press conference the Secretary pointed out that the United States has no occasion, so far as political and disarmament matters are concerned, to have any alignment with any other country. |
106 |
| June 6 (878) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of conversations with the British and French revealing that their differences lie only in methods, that both desire the return of Germany to the League and to the Conference; request for instructions regarding acceptance of French resolution embodying security arrangements and provisions for immediate study of the traffic in arms question. |
107 |
| June 7 (879) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information concerning Eden’s willingness, on certain conditions, to accept the French draft resolution; further information from Barthou regarding Germany’s interest in ultimate resumption of disarmament negotiations and immediate interest in discussions looking toward security. |
109 |
| June 7 (882) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that the news report from Paris was merely a political editorial and that such charges should die in face of the fact that U. S. delegates are now working with the British and French together. |
110 |
| June 7 (883) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Inquiry as to the possibility of the Senate’s consenting to ratification of the Arms Traffic Convention of 1925 during the present session, inasmuch as it would create a favorable atmosphere for the presentation of specific American proposals. |
111 |
| June 7 (428) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of Davis’ suggestions for handling the question of traffic in arms and his attitude toward the French resolution. |
111 |
| June 7 (429) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that every effort is being made to secure favorable action by the Senate on the Arms Traffic Convention and that such action appears probable within the next week. |
111 |
| June 8 (885) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Joint agreement of U. S., British, and French delegates upon a modification of the French resolution. |
112 |
| June 8 (886) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Text of the resolution to be submitted by the British and French delegations. |
113 |
| 1934 June 8 (887) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Adoption of the resolution by the General Commission with notation of certain Italian and Polish reservations. |
114 |
| June 9 (889) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Recommendations with regard to U. S. participation in the special committees envisaged on the agenda for the General Commission under provisions of the British-French resolution; request for Department’s instructions. |
116 |
| June 9 (112) |
From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Confidential information that Mussolini has arranged separate meetings with Hitler and Barthou. |
117 |
| June 11 (891) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Recommendation that Davis himself and Samuel Reber, Secretary of the American delegation, proceed to London shortly to prepare for naval conversations. |
117 |
| June 11 (432) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of recommendations made in telegram No. 889, June 9. |
118 |
| June 11 (892) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Adoption of program of work by the General Commission and information concerning assignments of the various committees. |
118 |
| June 12 (892a) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Attitude toward recent approaches of an unofficial Nazi representative who intimated German Government’s desire to arrange a meeting between Davis and Ribbentrop; request for Department’s opinion. |
119 |
| June 12 (433) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Concurrence in attitude toward recent German approaches. |
120 |
III. American Sponsorship of a Treaty on the Manufacture of and Traffic in Arms, June 15–December 31, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 15 |
Memorandum by the American Delegation to the General
Disarmament Conference
Suggested program of work for consideration of the Committee on the Manufacture of and Trade in Arms. |
120 |
| June 16 (445) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) From Norman Davis: Conversation with Barthou concerning favorable Franco-German relations. |
122 |
| June 18 (987) |
From the Ambassador in France
Report on general European situation and attitude of the French Government. |
122 |
| June 27 |
From the American Delegate to the General Disarmament
Conference
Comments concerning opinions of the various countries regarding the Report of the Special Committee on Security set up by the Conference. |
125 |
| 1934 July 2 (917) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Report of various opinions expressed in public session of the Committee on Manufacture of and Trade in Arms and of unanimous acceptance of the draft articles based upon previous suggestions by the American delegation; advice that the Committee will probably reconvene in September. |
127 |
| July 3 |
From the American Delegate
Transmittal of copy of report of the Committee on Manufacture of and Trade in Arms and also an analysis of the articles which have been prepared for inclusion in the Convention. Suggestion that the Department consider the advisability of consulting private manufacturers who will be affected by the proposed Convention, as well as the Army and Navy, and request for the Department’s attitude and recommendations. |
128 |
| July 11 |
From the American Delegate
Memorandum on trade in arms (text printed), by Lt. Colonel Strong, War Department adviser to the American delegation; request for Department’s views on the subject. |
129 |
| July 13 |
From the American Delegate
Delegation’s proposed rearrangement of categories of arms for consideration of the Subcommittee on Categories in connection with the future work of the Committee on Manufacture of and Trade in Arms. |
133 |
| July 18 |
From the President of the General Disarmament
Conference to President Roosevelt
Expression of appreciation for the support of the President and the American delegation in efforts of the Conference to secure a convention for the reduction and limitation of armaments; hope for continued support in future efforts. |
136 |
| July 23 |
From the Acting Secretary of War
Comments and suggestions concerning the draft articles for the regulation of manufacture of and trade in arms. |
139 |
| Undated |
From President Roosevelt to the President of the
General Disarmament Conference
Expression of appreciation for Henderson’s letter of July 18, and congratulations on skillful leadership of the Conference. |
141 |
| Aug. 23 |
To the Secretary of War
Concurrence in certain of the recommendations set forth by the Acting Secretary of War on July 23 and explanation of policy regarding other points. |
141 |
| Aug. 23 |
To the American Delegate
Comments and suggestions, embodying certain provisions advocated by Colonel Strong and Acting Secretary of War Woodring, for future guidance of the American delegation in the negotiations looking toward a convention on manufacture of and trade in arms. |
143 |
| 1934 Sept. 4 (351) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Wilson (American delegate): Press announcement that Bureau meeting has been postponed to suit Davis’ convenience in arriving at Geneva; advice from Davis, however, that his suggestion for postponement was to allow time for further developments in securing Germany’s return to the Conference. Instructions to report developments in this connection. |
144 |
| Sept. 6 (510) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Wilson: Henderson’s explanation that postponement of Bureau meeting was to allow further time for the Eastern Locarno negotiations and Germany’s return to the Conference. Opinion that not enough information is available as yet concerning next Bureau meeting to make recommendations as to Davis’ attendance. |
145 |
| Sept. 25 |
To the American Delegate
Transmittal of a letter from the Secretary of War relating to the draft articles for the regulation of arms traffic, and comments thereon. |
146 |
| Sept. 27 (935) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information concerning League Assembly action on a Soviet resolution recommending that the Council take cognizance of the progress of work of the Disarmament Conference. |
147 |
| Sept. 27 (101) |
From the American Delegate
Observations on general course of Conference procedure and increasing accord of members on a limited treaty for control of traffic in arms as the only one capable of achievement; comments on responsibilities of American delegation in the initiation of such a treaty, and request for Department’s views. |
148 |
| Oct. 4 (936) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information that Soviet resolution will probably be considered at the next Council meeting, approximately November 10, and probability that a meeting of the Bureau will be summoned at the same time; request for Department’s views, particularly with respect to Soviet desire for the establishment of a “permanent peace” organization which would invite U. S. participation. |
152 |
| Oct. 5 (340) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Conversation with Litvinov concerning the unfavorable European situation; Litvinov’s inquiry as to U. S. attitude toward participation in the “permanent peace” organization proposed by the Soviet Government. |
154 |
| Oct. 13 (104) |
From the American Delegate
Transmittal of chapter IV and annex I of the draft treaty on the manufacture of and traffic in arms (texts printed); advice that chapter IV envisages the setting up, competence, and functions of the Permanent Disarmament Commission. |
155 |
| Oct. 15 (170) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Conviction that the traffic in arms treaty should be concluded separately from the provisions of the General Disarmament Convention; instructions to take this matter up with Norman Davis in London and submit a joint recommendation as to tactics shortly before the November meeting is held. |
166 |
| 1934 Oct. 20 (938) |
From the Adviser to the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference (tel.) Information concerning a memorandum prepared by Aghnides for Avenol setting forth his views that a treaty of limited objectives is undesirable and impracticable and favoring, instead, a policy of limiting negotiation in the Conference to certain objectives in the form of three protocols dealing with a Permanent Disarmament Commission, manufacture of and traffic in arms, and budgetary publicity. |
166 |
| Oct. 22 (5) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Summary of joint views and recommendations by Davis and Wilson concerning the advisability of pressing for a separate convention on traffic in arms; advice that if initiative for such action is to be taken by the American delegation, consultations should be held beforehand with Henderson and with the British and French Governments. |
168 |
| Oct. 22 |
From the Under Secretary of State to the Chief of the
Division of Western European Affairs
Information concerning a tentative suggestion by President Roosevelt envisaging an understanding between the United States, Great Britain, France, and possibly other powers with respect to a definition of aggression and sanctions against aggressor nations; request for views on the subject. |
170 |
| Oct. 23 |
From the Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs to the Under Secretary of State
Analysis of the President’s suggestion and enumeration of objections. (Footnote: Notation indicating the President’s decision to “let this matter rest.”) |
170 |
| Oct. 25 (7) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Concurrence in the joint recommendations of Davis and Wilson reported in telegram No. 5, October 22, with minor exceptions, and authorization to proceed accordingly; request for any recommendations as to the best way of interesting the German authorities in the proposal. |
172 |
| Nov. 1 (19) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Formulation in consultation with British and League representatives of a plan for achieving certain specific objectives by the completion of separate protocols, which may in the future be joined together in a general disarmament treaty; arrangements for Wilson to visit Paris and Rome to explain the situation. |
173 |
| Nov. 6 (941) |
From the Adviser to the American Delegation (tel.) Statement addressed to the members of the Bureau by Henderson, November 5 (excerpt printed), embodying the plan referred to in telegram No. 19, November 1. |
174 |
| Nov. 7 (25) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of Wilson’s trip to Paris where the plan was viewed with sympathy by French delegates; request for Department’s views concerning the type of treaty suggested. |
175 |
| 1934 Nov. 9 (16) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) General approval of the scheme of the draft articles for a separate protocol relating to manufacture of and traffic in arms; opinion, however, that articles relating to organization of the Permanent Disarmament Commission should be an integral part of the arms traffic control protocol. |
176 |
| Nov. 12 (27) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information concerning plans for discussion of proposal for separate protocols with Italian and Japanese representatives; also concerning recent informal discussions with the German Minister in Bern. |
177 |
| Nov. 12 (28) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Suggestion that American delegation propose at Bureau meeting that protocol on the Permanent Disarmament Commission and the protocol on the manufacture of and trade in arms should form a unit, and announce intention to circulate a draft text of a treaty combining both protocols. |
178 |
| Nov. 14 (33) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that Litvinov may press for consideration of his project at the Bureau, and request for Department’s views as to course to be taken in the Bureau by the delegation. |
179 |
| Nov. 14 (19) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of recommendations and procedure set forth in telegram No. 28, November 12. |
180 |
| Nov. 14 (21) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Instructions to be followed in the event that discussion in Bureau meeting of the Litvinov peace proposal becomes inevitable. |
180 |
| Nov. 15 (39) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information that Henderson has agreed to the suggestion to embody the organization of the Permanent Disarmament Commission and the arms traffic articles in the same protocol but feels that provisions covering budgetary expenditure could also be included. |
180 |
| Nov. 16 (256) |
From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) From Wilson: Negative Italian reaction concerning separate protocol; opinion that the best that can be hoped for in the Bureau meeting is a passive attitude on the part of Italy. |
181 |
| Nov. 17 (943) |
From the Adviser to the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation with Aghnides, who reported that those delegations he had seen favored dealing with the arms convention and Permanent Disarmament Commission in separate protocols. Aghnides’ suggestion that, in order to avoid confusion and to forestall crystallization of this idea, the American delegation place a text of the combined protocol before the Bureau meeting on November 20. |
182 |
| Nov. 17 (258) |
From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) From Wilson: Presentation of details to Mussolini concerning special treaty on arms, and information that he gave no indication as to his attitude. |
182 |
| 1934 Nov. 18 (944) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Recommendation for adoption of procedure outlined in telegram No. 943, November 17. |
183 |
| Nov. 19 (946) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Opinion that in deference to French views, the American delegation should accept a compromise proposal by Henderson for a single treaty including budgetary publicity. |
183 |
| Undated |
Memorandum of Trans-Atlantic Telephone
Conversation
Between Wilson and Phillips, November 19: Authorization to accept Henderson’s compromise proposal, if necessary, but instructions to endeavor to obtain agreement on either of two alternative procedures. |
184 |
| Nov. 19 (412) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to be transmitted by telephone to the American delegation in Geneva concerning presentation of draft convention on traffic in arms to the Bureau meeting, and requesting views of the delegates as to articles of ratification. |
186 |
| Nov. 20 (948) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Information that Henderson has requested all Governments to submit their ideas upon the Russian proposal; inquiry as to whether the delegation should draft a reply along the lines indicated in Department’s telegram No. 21, November 14. |
186 |
| Nov. 20 (949) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Report of Bureau meeting; American delegate’s presentation of the draft protocol and résumé of comments of various delegations, the majority of which indicated approval; adjournment with adoption of Henderson’s program. |
187 |
| Nov. 21 (456) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Reluctance to submit comments on the Russian proposal at this time; instructions to advise Department, however, if delegation feels otherwise. |
188 |
| Nov. 21 |
Memorandum by the American Delegate
Interview with Litvinov concerning U. S. attitude toward participation in the Russian proposal. |
189 |
| Nov. 22 |
To President Roosevelt
Transmittal of features of the draft arms convention to which the Navy and War Departments take exception; request for confirmation of understanding that the draft as presented to the Bureau of the Conference on November 20 is approved by the President. |
191 |
| Nov. 24 |
From President Roosevelt
Approval of the draft as presented. |
192 |
| Nov. 26 (107) |
From the American Delegate
Memorandum by Colonel Strong, November 24 (text printed), analyzing the differences between the original and final drafts of the arms traffic treaty; comments on certain points in the memorandum. |
193 |
| 1934 Dec. 13 (955) |
From the Adviser to the American Delegation (tel.) Résumé of the situation resulting from recent Council meeting as viewed by the American delegation with special reference to background for disarmament activity. |
204 |
| Dec. 17 (460) |
To the Adviser to the American Delegation (tel.) Appreciation of the analysis set forth in telegram No. 955, December 13, but reminder of importance of concentrating efforts toward negotiation of separate treaty on arms. |
206 |
| Dec. 19 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Soviet Chargé who handed the Secretary a draft proposal (text printed) for a permanent disarmament organization to sit at Geneva; Soviet request for views of the President and the Secretary before the meeting of the disarmament body on January 10. |
206 |
| Dec. 24 |
To the Adviser to the American Delegation
Suggested revisions of categories of the draft arms convention in the light of the analyses set forth in despatch No. 107, November 26. |
211 |
| Dec. 31 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Soviet Chargé, who was given the definite understanding that the political phases of the Litvinov proposal would not permit the U. S. Government to make any affirmative commitment concerning the matter. |
216 |
NEGOTIATIONS PRELIMINARY TO THE LONDON NAVAL CONFERENCE OF 1935
I. Anglo-American Discussions and Planning for Preliminary Conversations, January 22–June 15, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 22 (650) |
From the Ambassador in Japan
Detailed report on Japanese attitude toward the coming Naval Conference in 1935 and indications that the Japanese Navy is endeavoring to place itself in the strongest possible position by the time the Conference meets. |
217 |
| Jan. 24 (16) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Hugh Wilson (American delegate to the General Disarmament Conference, en route to Geneva via London): Opinion that it is not yet time to bring up in London the question of naval preparation for the 1935 Conference, although there is no change in U. S. position in favor of maintenance of the present treaty ratio. |
220 |
| Jan. 26 (16) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) From Wilson: Information that R. L. Craigie, Counselor in the Foreign Office, is desirous that Anglo-American conversations of a technical nature take place at the earliest moment after the two naval groups have completed their studies in the matter. |
221 |
| 1934 Jan. 31 (27) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Atherton (U. S. Chargé in Great Britain): Instructions to express appreciation to Prime Minister MacDonald for his message suggesting that the British and American Governments shortly undertake an exchange of views on the naval situation. |
221 |
| Mar. 5 (96) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For the President from Norman Davis (Chairman of the American delegation to the General Disarmament Conference, en route to Stockholm on private business): MacDonald’s opinion that the most important question confronting the Anglo-American preliminary conversations is agreement with regard to Japanese claims; his belief that a common stand should be maintained against an increase in ratio and that the idea should be separately communicated to the Japanese. |
222 |
| Mar. 6 |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference to President Roosevelt
Memorandum concerning conversation with MacDonald on the naval question, March 2 (text printed), and suggestion as to procedure for effecting an interchange of views. (Footnote: Information that at the President’s request for the Secretary’s advice, instructions were outlined to Davis in telegram No. 117, March 28, page 34.) |
222 |
| Mar. 31 |
From the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs
to the Secretary of State
Opinion that in connection with the question of the Naval Conference the U. S. position should be established in favor of the maintenance of the existing ratios, although it might be advisable to agree to flexibilities of details within the ratios. |
230 |
| Apr. 28 (168) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Advice that procedure for informal preliminary naval conversations has been approved by the Department; suggestion that Atherton contact Craigie to ascertain the situation and communicate to him the U. S. attitude. |
232 |
| May 2 (219) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Information from Craigie that the whole question of preliminary conversations is under consideration by the Cabinet Council; advice that an important section of British official opinion has definitely crystallized against any appearance now of Anglo-American cooperation and coercion vis-à-vis Japan for a ratio agreement that would arouse national resentment there. |
232 |
| May 3 (88) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Conversation with the Vice Foreign Minister, who inquired as to the best way to prepare the ground for the coming Naval Conference; opinion that this is an initial feeler probably put out at Foreign Minister Hirota’s suggestion, and advice that unless otherwise instructed the Ambassador will decline to state a position. |
233 |
| 1934 May 3 (64) |
To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Approval of position taken with the Vice Foreign Minister. |
234 |
| May 4 (180) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Advice that there is no question of any coercion of Japan in the preliminary naval talks, but merely a matter of clearing away with the British any outstanding naval differences of opinion. |
234 |
| May 7 (228) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Indication that there are strong reasons for not recommending any U. S. move until the result is known of the discussions now taking place in the Cabinet Council. |
235 |
| May 18 (264) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For the Secretary and Davis: Information that the Cabinet Council concluded its deliberations on May 18, and has decided to ask the American and Japanese Ambassadors to inquire whether their Governments would name representatives to carry on preliminary and exploratory bilateral conversations in London. |
235 |
| May 18 (203) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Opinion that the proposal outlined by the British would appear acceptable to the Department. |
236 |
| May 22 (270) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Opinion that early acceptance of the British invitation is advisable; that since the British are concerned over limitations under which the U. S. Government is likely to act, they should be allowed to keep the initiative at present. |
237 |
| May 24 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with President Roosevelt concerning formulation of U. S. stand on the naval disarmament question. |
237 |
| May 24 (201) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Davis: Instructions to have a frank discussion with Sir John Simon in Geneva soon, prior to the forthcoming naval conversations, inasmuch as certain evidences reported to the Department indicate that an Anglo-Japanese rapprochement is in the making. |
238 |
| May 24 (202) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Davis: Information concerning instructions to the Ambassador in Great Britain (text printed) for U. S. acceptance of British invitation to participate in naval conversations; Department’s decision to defer arrival of U. S. representatives until after June 15, the date of payments due on war debts, in view of British unrest on this subject. |
239 |
| May 26 (389) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) From Davis: Concurrence in Department’s views concerning a frank discussion with Simon. |
240 |
| 1934 May 26 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador, who was told, upon his inquiry, that the U. S. Government had accepted the British invitation and reached agreement to conduct the conversations through regular diplomatic channels. |
240 |
| May 29 (851) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference (tel.) Information that it has not seemed advisable yet to approach Simon in the vein indicated in instruction No. 201, May 24, but that informal conversation with him on other matters indicated his sincerity of desire for closer cooperation between Great Britain and the United States. |
241 |
| May 30 (287) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information from Japanese Ambassador Matsudaira concerning his Government’s acceptance of the British invitation along the same lines as the U. S. reply. |
242 |
| May 31 (104) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Conversation with Foreign Minister Hirota, who said that Japan’s acceptance of the invitation was based upon the understanding that the conversations would be limited in scope, as the Japanese Navy is not yet ready to discuss technical questions. |
242 |
| May 31 (292) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Receipt of information as to matters which the Japanese feel should be discussed in the preliminary conversations, such as agenda for the Conference, participating powers, date and place. |
243 |
| June 1 (223) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Opinion that the Japanese are overemphasizing purely procedural matters in plans for the preliminary conversations. |
244 |
| June 2 (863) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation with Simon, who clarified the British position with respect to ratios and related Matsudaira’s assurance to him that the Japanese Government had made no official claims for an increase in ratio. |
244 |
| June 2 (864) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Concern over British proposal that naval conversations shall be bilateral instead of tripartite and over Japanese opinion that the London conversations should not preclude negotiations in other capitals; opinion concerning the importance of adhering to the procedure first envisaged. |
245 |
| June 8 (308) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Japanese Ambassador’s advice that, while ready to discuss procedural matters, he will not be prepared to begin technical discussions until the arrival of the Japanese naval experts in July. |
246 |
| 1934 June 12 (893) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the Secretary and the President: Concern over the situation created with respect to the naval conversations in having them negotiated through the Embassy; request for clarification of status and responsibility in such a way that there can be no misunderstanding. |
247 |
| June 13 (435) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Desire that the naval conversations be kept separate from the general disarmament negotiations; confidence that Davis and Ambassador Bingham can work together with equal responsibility. |
248 |
| June 14 (902) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Observation that while the naval conversations should be kept informal, they should not be too limited in scope. |
249 |
| June 14 |
Memorandum of Trans-Atlantic Telephone
Conversation
Conversation between Davis in Geneva and President Roosevelt and Secretary Hull in Washington concerning clarification of Davis’ status in connection with the naval conversations. |
250 |
| June 14 (239) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Explanation of Embassy’s role and instructions for cooperation with Davis during naval conversations. |
254 |
| June 14 (903) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the President and the Secretary: Confirmation of understanding concerning set-up of naval conversations; reiteration of opinion that eventual success of the conversations with Japanese will depend upon previous ironing out of differences with the British on technical matters. |
255 |
| June 14 (838) |
From the Ambassador in Japan
Report of divergence of views between the Foreign Office and the Navy Department as to the action Japan should take in abrogating the Washington Agreement of 1922. Résumé of Japanese press interpretation of U. S. policy with respect to the 1935 Conference. |
255 |
| June 15 (442) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) From Davis: Information that the British Government desires to begin the naval conversations on June 18; suggestion that Press Officer of the American delegation be sent to London for the opening meeting. |
257 |
| June 15 (231) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Davis: Authorization of full latitude as to tactics to be followed in the conversations. |
258 |
| June 15 (233) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Davis: Approval of suggestion that American delegation Press Officer be instructed to cover the opening of conversations in London. |
259 |
II. Preliminary Naval Conversations, First Session (Anglo-American), June 18–July 19, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 18 (332) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Report of first Anglo-American naval conversation in London on June 18 and of conclusions that the representatives would recommend to their respective Governments a joint policy to preserve the fundamentals of the Washington Treaty and to refuse even a minor modification in the Japanese ratio without previous Anglo-American consultation. |
259 |
| June 19 (335) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Emphasis by the British upon the necessity of the present conversations being kept secret. |
261 |
| June 19 (336) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For the Secretary and the President from Davis: Optimism as to the possibility of reaching an understanding with the British on the basis of certain common basic objectives; request for confirmation of understanding of Department’s views on the technical problems between the U. S. and British Governments. |
262 |
| June 19 (253) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Concurrence in emphasis on secrecy of the present conversations. |
264 |
| June 19 (338) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with Matsudaira, Japanese representative, who was advised of U. S.-British desire to refrain from discussion of political questions during the conversations. |
265 |
| June 20 (255) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Clarification of certain points in the U. S. technical program. |
266 |
| June 21 (343) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Substance of tentative proposals to be submitted by the delegations to their respective Governments. |
266 |
| June 21 (256) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Information concerning omission of certain wording in Davis’ understanding regarding the U. S. technical program. |
267 |
| June 22 (344) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information concerning meeting of technical experts, June 22, at which the British elaborated their proposals made the day before. |
267 |
| June 22 (259) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions informally to object to undue press publicity, inspired from British sources, concerning the preliminary conversations. |
268 |
| June 22 (349) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Opinion of the American delegation that the British proposal of June 22 is so unacceptable from the U. S. point of view as to render inadvisable technical discussion on such a basis. |
269 |
| 1934 June 22 (132) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Summary of remarks on Japanese policy by Captain Shimomura, attaché to naval general staff, who will proceed to Washington and London for conversations with naval authorities. |
270 |
| June 23 (351) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Explanation of British policy in informing newspapermen of their technical position. |
271 |
| June 25 (352) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Comments concerning the inadvisability of further discussion on the basis of latest British proposal; conclusion that the American delegation should take a strong stand at the outset and confront the British with the danger of an early breakdown of negotiations over their demand for a large increase in cruiser tonnage. |
272 |
| June 25 (354) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with Prime Minister MacDonald concerning reaction of U. S. delegation to the British proposal; MacDonald’s concern over imminent impasse and Davis’ suggestion that a full meeting be called for thorough discussion of the matter. |
274 |
| June 25 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador, prior to his departure for Japan, relative to the progress of naval conversations in London. |
275 |
| June 26 (360) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Indications of desire of Soviet Union to be included in preliminary naval conversations; assumption that Department would be opposed to such a move. |
276 |
| June 26 (269) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Approval of Davis’ recommendation with respect to taking a firm stand at the outset with the British; information that the British exposition is unacceptable to the United States inasmuch as any radical departure from the principle embodied in the London Treaty cannot be reconciled with U. S. policy. |
276 |
| June 26 (270) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From the President for Davis: Instructions to inform the Prime Minister of the President’s hope for British cooperation for a new naval treaty calling for a reduction in navies. |
277 |
| June 27 (271) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Concurrence in the British view that it would be inadvisable to extend either the preliminary conversations or the 1935 Conference beyond the five principal naval powers. |
278 |
| June 27 (473) |
From the Chargé in France (tel.) Conversation with Pietri, Minister of Marine, who will proceed to London on July 8 to participate in the conversations; his comments concerning certain trends in French policy. |
278 |
| 1934 June 27 (363) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For the President and the Secretary from Davis: Information that the British are strongly maintaining their position; comments on British view that even if temporary adjournment occurs, the possibility of reconcilement of views still exists. |
279 |
| June 27 (141) |
To the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Department’s position concerning the question of Soviet participation in the preliminary naval conversations. |
280 |
| June 27 (364) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Meeting of British and American representatives before the Prime Minister’s departure for vacation; agreement on statement to press concerning adjournment. |
281 |
| June 28 (367) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For the President and the Secretary from Davis: Impression as a result of the meeting on June 27, that the British are not prepared now to agree upon a renewal of the London Treaty without important modifications; comments concerning probable British strategy. |
282 |
| June 29 (277) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Advice that the whole British approach has been disappointing to the Department; concurrence in Davis’ view that he should have a frank private conversation with Stanley Baldwin in MacDonald’s absence concerning U. S. policy. |
284 |
| June 29 (162) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Opinion that press reports from London pertaining to Soviet participation in the conversations have been at the instigation of Litvinov, who interviewed the correspondent upon his departure for London. |
285 |
| July 3 (378) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Substance of statement of common objectives to be proposed by the U. S. delegation for issuance upon adjournment of Anglo-American conversations; inquiry if there is any objection to this procedure. |
285 |
| July 3 (377) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Concurrence in Department’s view concerning British attitude; intention to outline U. S. position to Baldwin on July 4. |
286 |
| July 3 (283) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Approval of text of formula proposed in telegram No. 378, July 3; desire, should the British refuse to accept the general proposition, that conversations be continued at least until arrival of the Japanese. |
287 |
| July 5 (385) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with Baldwin and Simon during which it was learned that the Japanese representatives will not arrive in London until October; question of suspension of U. S.-British discussions and advice that owing to Baldwin’s suggestion that a joint statement be made regarding adjournment it was deemed inadvisable to advance the U. S. proposed formula at the moment. |
287 |
| 1934 July 6 (287) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Advice that it would seem opportune to suspend the conversations until autumn; instructions to come to an agreement with Baldwin as to a joint statement conceived in general terms and setting forth a common objective, and to submit it to the Department for scrutiny. |
289 |
| July 7 (390) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Concurrence in Department’s view as set forth in telegram No. 287, July 6. |
290 |
| July 10 (395) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with Matsudaira concerning Japanese plans. |
290 |
| July 10 (396) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advice of satisfactory progress of Anglo-French conversations, although the French would prefer a conference of all naval powers rather than one limited to the five powers of the London Treaty. |
292 |
| July 12 (403) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Conversation with French representative, who gave an account of the Anglo-French conversations. |
292 |
| July 12 (406) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Intention to endeavor by July 19 to reach agreement with the British or to adjourn with a joint statement in general terms. |
294 |
| July 13 (299) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Approval of procedure suggested in telegram No. 406, July 12. |
295 |
| July 16 (418) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Communiqué being issued by the British Government (text printed) concerning plans for British-Japanese naval conversations. |
295 |
| July 17 (422) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Submission of joint statement (text printed) which has been agreed upon with Simon and is to be issued by the U. S. and British representatives; request for Department’s views. |
295 |
| July 17 (309) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Enumeration of objections to the joint statement proposed, and Department’s hope that no public statement will be made by either delegation. |
296 |
| July 18 (424) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Advice that British have been informed of Department’s view as to inadvisability of issuing any statement. |
297 |
| July 18 (310) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Approval of action in informing the British of Department’s views. |
298 |
| July 19 (426) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis: Advice that the British have accepted U. S. recommendations against any public statement. |
298 |
III. Preliminary Naval Conversations, Second Session (Great Britain, Japan, United States), October 17–December 19, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 July 27 (859) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office note, July 26, enclosing a memorandum (texts printed), setting forth the political and technical aspects of the British position on cruiser tonnage. |
299 |
| Sept. 7 (219) |
Memorandum by the Naval Attaché in Japan
Report of developments in the formulation and adoption of Japanese naval policy; advice that Admiral Yamamoto is en route to London with the plan. |
303 |
| Sept. 11 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs
Telephone conversation with Norman Davis, who reported the President’s views concerning arrangements for resumption of naval conversations in London. |
304 |
| Sept. 11 (200) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Conversation with former Vice Foreign Minister Yoshida, who related Foreign Minister Hirota’s assurance that the Japanese position in the Naval Conference would not necessarily be as inflexible as might be assumed from statements appearing in the press. |
306 |
| Sept. 13 (201) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Letter from Yoshida, September 12 (text printed), amplifying Hirota’s remarks regarding Japanese position; Embassy’s interpretation of letter as intimating that budgetary considerations may be the controlling factor in Japanese policy. |
307 |
| Sept. 28 (370) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advice concerning Department’s plan to remove the naval conversations from diplomatic channels, in view of the change in character of negotiations, and to send a special mission to London for this purpose headed by Davis, who will sail on October 10. |
308 |
| Oct. 5 (375) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Further comments concerning the establishment of a special mission to handle the tripartite conversations; request for Ambassador’s views as to participating as a member of the mission. |
308 |
| Oct. 8 (551) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Opinion that Atherton’s assignment as liaison officer with the Embassy will enable the Ambassador to keep in touch with the negotiations without being designated as a member of the mission. |
309 |
| Oct. 17 (230) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Further information tending to support Embassy’s interpretation of Yoshida’s letter; observations concerning Japanese methods of information which may assist the Department in correctly evaluating Embassy’s reports. |
309 |
| Oct. 19 (3) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation to the
Preliminary Naval Conversations (tel.) Conversation with Sir John Simon concerning procedure for conducting negotiations with the Japanese representatives. |
311 |
| 1934 Oct. 25 (9) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) British-American exchange of views with regard to the Japanese general proposals, which both delegations consider unacceptable. Suggestion for full meeting of the British and American delegations at which discussions of last summer might be continued. |
312 |
| Oct. 25 (6) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Department’s opinion that the publicity which the Japanese are giving to their position indicates that they are preparing for a walk-out and are hoping to create the impression that they were forced to such action by indifference of other countries to Japan’s prime problem of self-defense. |
313 |
| Oct. 25 (182) |
To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Summary of the Japanese proposals and of exchange of views between the American and Japanese delegations, which ended with the decision to discontinue conversations until further study has been made of the discussions so far. |
314 |
| Oct. 26 (9) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Concurrence in the idea of a full meeting of the British and American delegations in view of the necessity for Anglo-American accord to effect a modification of the Japanese position. |
315 |
| Oct. 26 (12) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information that the unyielding Japanese position and the publicity concerning it are reducing the possibilities of agreement. |
316 |
| Oct. 27 (14) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information as to nature of proposed discussion with the British to take place on October 29. |
317 |
| Oct. 29 (15) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation with Matsudaira, who said that the Japanese would definitely denounce the Washington Treaty before the end of the year; inconclusive discussion on general question of technical details. |
317 |
| Oct. 29 (16) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report on further Anglo-American conversations concerning the Japanese position, and conclusion that tripartite conversations are inadvisable at present. |
318 |
| Oct. 31 (12) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Caution, in view of certain press despatches from London, against any comment to the press which could be construed as a threat to Japan. |
321 |
| Nov. 1 (240) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Account of conversation between the Naval Attaché and Captain Shimomura of the Japanese Navy Department. |
322 |
| Nov. 1 (18) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Report of meeting of Japanese and American delegations during which the Japanese were urged to give consideration to the effects of an abrogation of the Washington Treaty; U. S. counterargument against Japanese position. |
323 |
| 1934 Nov. 2 (20) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Comment concerning Department’s instructions in telegram No. 12, October 31, with respect to press statements implying threats to Japan. |
324 |
| Nov. 6 (24) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Consideration of a British suggestion to propose a face-saving formula to the Japanese constituting a preamble to a treaty which does not alter the actual status; opinion that the Japanese would probably reject the idea. |
325 |
| Nov. 9 (26) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) British presentation of formula to the Japanese. |
326 |
| Nov. 13 (17) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of delegation’s handling of the situation to date and views as to future course of action. |
327 |
| Nov. 13 (31) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation with Simon regarding the last Anglo-Japanese meeting; Simon’s assurance that there has been no consideration of a political agreement with the Japanese. |
328 |
| Nov. 13 (32) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the President and the Secretary: Advice that Japanese reply to latest British proposal is awaited with little hope of acceptance; opinion that if the conversations are to be terminated it should be done in such a way as to leave the door open for future negotiations. |
328 |
| Nov. 14 (34) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Discussion with Simon of the question of a nonaggression pact for the Pacific and Far East. |
331 |
| Nov. 14 (35) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Concurrence in Department’s views transmitted in telegram No. 17, November 13; discussion with Simon as to British attitude toward negotiations in the event of Japanese rejection of British proposal and ultimate denunciation of the Treaty. |
331 |
| Nov. 14 (36) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the President and the Secretary: Suggestion that a public pronouncement by the President or a high administration official in favor of cooperation with Great Britain would be helpful. |
332 |
| Nov. 14 (20) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Instructions to adopt only a receptive attitude toward any further discussion of a nonaggression pact although the Department approves the course thus far pursued by the delegation. |
333 |
| Nov. 14 |
From President Roosevelt
Suggestions as to U. S. position in the event of Japanese denunciation of the Treaty. |
333 |
| 1934 Undated |
Minutes of Meeting Between British and American
Delegations in the Prime Minister’s Office at the House of Commons
on November 14, 1934, 3 p.m.
Exchange of ideas concerning possible Anglo-American accord on a naval program, and British suggestion of a “middle course” proposal to Japan. |
334 |
| Nov. 15 (22) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion that any initiative concerning further action or suspension of negotiations should come from the British or Japanese. |
350 |
| Nov. 16 (41) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Observations and request for instructions as to question of continuing negotiations on the basis of Japanese intention to denounce the Washington Treaty. |
351 |
| Nov. 17 (25) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) View that a declaration of U. S.-British alignment on naval limitation offers greater promise of success than any compromise agreement with the Japanese. |
353 |
| Nov. 17 (26) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Objections to British “middle course” proposal on grounds of political strategy. |
355 |
| Nov. 21 (44) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Explanation of British desire to continue conversations with the Japanese, and opinion that situation will ultimately develop in accordance with U. S. aims. |
356 |
| Nov. 21 (47) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information that a change of opinion has occurred in certain British groups which had formerly favored a conciliatory policy toward Japan. |
358 |
| Nov. 21 (48) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Comments concerning the President’s suggestions of November 14 and request for certain clarifications. |
359 |
| Nov. 22 (32) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Clarification of Department’s view with respect to treaty commitments to convene the Naval Conference in 1935. |
360 |
| Undated |
Record of Teletype Conversation
Between the Secretary and Davis, November 22: Discussion concerning U. S. procedure if it becomes necessary to take a definite position on continuance of conversations. |
361 |
| Nov. 22 (33) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Department’s expression of regret to the British Ambassador concerning an article in the New York Times, November 21, which attacked Sir John Simon. |
363 |
| Nov. 22 (34) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) View that further exploration of the British middle course would be of no practical value; instructions, however, to avoid position of definite rejection. |
364 |
| 1934 Nov. 22 (108) |
From the Chargé in the Netherlands
Netherlands interest in the London conversations due to their recognition of the fact that Anglo-American cooperation is their best safeguard against future Japanese aggression. |
365 |
| Undated |
Memorandum of Conversation in the Prime Minister’s
Office at the House of Commons on November 23, 1934
Résumé of the recent Anglo-Japanese conversations; Davis’ interpretation of the British position and enumeration of Department’s objections to the “middle course” proposal; conclusion that the only divergence between British and American views is the question of time and method of dealing with the Japanese situation. |
368 |
| Nov. 27 (53) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation with Matsudaira, who said that his instructions are to keep the conversations going and to prevent an actual breakdown; opinion that Matsudaira hopes for some basis of agreement. |
374 |
| Nov. 28 (39) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Information concerning unfavorable press publicity from London on the probable U. S. position in the event of a breakdown in negotiations; suggestion that the delegation give renewed guidance to the press to prevent this type of publicity. |
375 |
| Nov. 30 (54) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice concerning sources of unfavorable press reports; request for authority to release a statement redefining the U. S. position. |
376 |
| Dec. 1 (43) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Inquiry as to the advisability of suggesting British action on recent new Japanese proposals which would prevent the appearance of opposition by the United States alone. |
377 |
| Dec. 3 (44) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Instructions to take the position that whenever notification of treaty denunciation is given on or before December 31 the American delegation will expect adjournment rather than a recess of the conversations. |
378 |
| Dec. 3 (60) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Request for Department’s views as to procedure following denunciation. |
378 |
| Dec. 3 (61) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Impression that the Japanese do not expect to reach an agreement now but would consider a modus vivendi for the 2 years before termination of the treaty, looking toward resumption of conversations later. |
380 |
| Dec. 3 (46) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion that the British, and in the delegation’s discretion, the Japanese, should be informed of U. S. expectation of adjournment following denunciation. |
380 |
| 1934 Undated |
Memorandum of Conversation Between the American and
British Delegations at the House of Commons on December 4, 1934, at
4 p.m.
Discussion of line of procedure to be taken jointly in view of information that the Japanese will advance the date of notification of treaty denunciation; Davis’ suggestion that he tell Matsudaira that the Americans are willing to continue the conversations but would consider denunciation as termination, the British to inform him similarly. (Footnote: Information that Davis took this course in his talk with the Japanese on December 5.) |
381 |
| Dec. 7 (67) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the President and the Secretary: Suggestion that the Department reconsider its stand on procedure for future meeting in view of British desire to explore further the basis upon which the delegations may reconvene, after the denunciation, with some hope of reaching a subsequent agreement. |
388 |
| Dec. 7 |
From the President
Opinion that the delegation’s position is excellent at the present time and that continuation of conversations until December 31, if necessary, would be worthwhile in that the onus of denunciation would be placed on the Japanese. |
390 |
| Dec. 8 (49) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion that the British suggestion regarding meetings in the future would appear inconsistent with U. S. position, and request that another attempt be made to obtain acceptance of the Department’s original formula; suggestion of possible alternative procedure as a last resort. |
391 |
| Dec. 11 (68) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Summary of conversation between Atherton and a British official, who advised of Anglo-Japanese discussions of 1937–42 building programs as possible basis for a future treaty, and expressed desire to be informed of U. S. naval program. |
393 |
| Dec. 12 (50) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) U. S. unwillingness at the present time to discuss its 1937–42 naval program. |
394 |
| Dec. 12 (70) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) For the President and the Secretary: Conversation with Craigie, who advised as to the status of the British-Japanese conversations; further exchange of views concerning future meetings. |
395 |
| Dec. 13 (71) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation with MacDonald during which Davis set forth the Department’s views concerning future conversations and emphasized the risk in allowing the Japanese to think that conversations may be continued after denunciation. |
397 |
| Dec. 13 (52) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of points set forth in telegram No. 70, December 12. |
398 |
| 1934 Dec. 13 (72) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that Craigie has been informed of views contained in Department’s telegram No. 50, December 10. |
398 |
| Dec. 15 (74) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) British proposal that the adjournment of the conversations be brought about by a tripartite meeting on December 19 or 20, and that a communiqué (draft printed) be agreed upon beforehand for issuance at that time. |
399 |
| Dec. 15 (55) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Advice that, subject to advance agreement on a satisfactory communiqué the Department would be prepared to accede to the British proposal; suggestions for rephrasing of certain portions of the draft communiqué. |
401 |
| Undated |
Memorandum of a Meeting in the Prime Minister’s Office
at the House of Commons, December 19, 1934, at 4 p.m.
Tripartite meeting for discussion of suspension of the conversations, and agreement to reconvene at the invitation of Great Britain; adoption of proposed communiqué. |
402 |
| Dec. 28 (87) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Conversation between Admiral Standley and Yamamoto concerning technical aspects of the naval question; opinion that Yamamoto was sounding out the U. S. position on his own initiative with a view to the possibility of formulating a plan for presentation by the Japanese Government to extend limitation in certain naval categories for a further period of time. |
401 |
IV. Denunciation by Japan of the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Sept. 25 (214) |
From the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Foreign Minister’s opinion that the Washington Treaty of 1922 should be allowed to expire in 1936; his hope for an understanding regarding limitation on the size of future vessels. |
405 |
| Dec. 3 (267) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Information from the French Ambassador with respect to Japanese notification of proposed renunciation of the Washington Treaty and inquiry as to French attitude toward similar action; information concerning French reply. |
406 |
| Dec. 3 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs to the Secretary of State
Conversation with the French Ambassador, who explained the French reply declining to join Japan in denouncing the Washington Treaty. |
406 |
| Dec. 5 (269) |
From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Conversation with the Italian Ambassador concerning his Government’s negative reply to a Japanese inquiry, similar to that addressed to the French Government, with respect to denunciation of the Washington Treaty. |
407 |
| 1934 Dec. 13 (1087) |
From the Ambassador in Japan
Analytical report on public opinion in Japan, which is determined to achieve naval equality at any cost. |
408 |
| Dec. 22 (951) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Explanation of erroneous report that France might independently denounce the Washington Treaty. |
411 |
| Dec. 26 (61) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Davis: Draft statement (text printed) which the Secretary will make shortly after receiving notification of denunciation of the Washington Treaty by Japan; request for comments and suggestions. |
411 |
| Dec. 27 (85) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of the content of the draft statement, but suggestion that it be incorporated in a note to the Japanese Government and made public rather than issued as a formal statement. |
413 |
| Dec. 28 (86) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion, after further consideration of the Secretary’s proposed statement, that it should be given out at a press conference at the beginning of the new year, after a review of the naval conversations; that the notification of denunciation itself should be answered by a brief and formal acknowledgment, with arrangement for the immediate publication of both notes. |
413 |
| Dec. 29 (62) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Appreciation of suggestions but advice that it will be impossible to withhold a statement inasmuch as the Japanese Ambassador, in delivering the formal notice of denunciation, will give out a 1200-word statement of the Japanese position. |
415 |
| Dec. 29 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Record of meeting with Ambassador Saito, who handed the Secretary four documents (texts printed): (1) the note of denunciation; (2) a note verbale containing comments, at Hirota’s instructions, regarding Japanese action; (3) an explanatory press release to be issued by the Japanese Foreign Office spokesman; (4) an explanatory press release to be issued by Saito himself. Secretary’s oral reply of intention to notify the other signatory powers in accordance with the terms of the Treaty. (Footnote: Information as to transmittal of the notification to the other signatory powers.) |
415 |
| Dec. 29 |
Press Release Issued by the Department of State
Statement by the Secretary upon notification of Japanese denunciation of the Washington Treaty. |
420 |
| Dec. 31 (638) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information concerning delivery of text of Japanese note of denunciation to the Foreign Office, and Foreign Office request for a copy of the Japanese note verbale to the United States for reference in making reply. |
421 |
| 1935 Jan. 2 |
From the French Ambassador
Acknowledgment of receipt of notification regarding Japanese denunciation, and expression of French views as to the ultimate inadequacy of the Washington Treaty. |
421 |
| Jan. 3 (2) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advice that inasmuch as the Japanese note verbale was not intended to be given to the Secretary in writing, the Department would not feel warranted in authorizing reference to it in any communication by a third Government as a communication received through the Secretary; willingness, however, to show to the Foreign Office the text which is assumed to be identical to the copy given it by Ambassador Matsudaira. Description of nature of U. S. reply to the Japanese notification. |
423 |
| Jan. 9 |
Memorandum by the Chairman of the American Delegation
of a Conversation With the French Ambassador
Discussion of the naval situation, and Davis’ explanation of U. S. and British positions; his regret at tone of the French note with regard to Japanese denunciation of the Washington Treaty. |
424 |
| Jan. 11 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the French Ambassador
Expression of U. S. regret at French note with respect to Japanese denunciation of the Washington Treaty; Ambassador’s explanation that France, in sending the note, had in mind the European situation rather than the Pacific. |
425 |
| Jan. 12 |
To the French Ambassador
Acknowledgment of French note of January 2 and expression of regret over the views set forth. |
426 |
REPRESENTATIONS BY CERTAIN FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS REGARDING SENATE COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING MUNITIONS INDUSTRY
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 18 |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (circ. tel.) Information concerning the establishment of a Senate committee to investigate the problems incident to the private manufacture of arms and munitions and international traffic therein. |
427 |
| Sept. 7 |
From the Argentine Ambassador
Formal representations against insinuations made by a member of the Investigating Committee against an officer of the Argentine Navy in connection with examination of the activities of the Electric Boat Company. (Footnote: Information concerning reply.) |
428 |
| Sept. 10 (513) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Report of British resentment concerning charges before the Investigating Committee, alleging pressure by the King upon the Polish Ambassador in London in order to secure a certain munitions contract for a British firm; British request that this be brought to the attention of the Department. |
429 |
MUNITIONS INDUSTRY INVESTIGATION
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Sept. 11 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Discussion with British Ambassador of the action of the Munitions Investigating Committee and of the Secretary’s efforts to point out to the Committee the embarrassment involved in giving publicity to rumors involving important members of foreign governments. |
430 |
| Sept. 11 |
From the Turkish Ambassador
Request for full copies of documents containing allegations made in the Senate Investigating Committee regarding certain Turkish personalities. (Footnote: Information concerning reply to the Turkish Government.) |
430 |
| Sept. 12 (215) |
From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Receipt of information from a Foreign Office official that Brazilian Chargé in Washington wishes to address a note to the Department protesting against allusions in the Munitions Investigating Committee of graft paid to Brazilian officials; opinion that the Chargé will not be so instructed, and transmittal of a suggestion by the Foreign Office official of a possible way to minimize the importance of the matter. |
431 |
| Sept. 13 (123) |
To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Conversation with the Brazilian Chargé who was informed of a letter which Senator Nye, Chairman of the Committee, sent to the Secretary on September 11, concerning the munitions question (text on page 437); instructions to communicate this information to the Foreign Minister and to express to him the Department’s appreciation for the friendly attitude shown by his Government in the matter. |
432 |
| Sept. 13 |
From the Peruvian Ambassador
Request for information concerning charges at Committee hearings of alleged unfair practices in connection with Peruvian Government purchases of airplanes, in order that the Government may investigate the matter. |
432 |
| Sept. 14 (222) |
From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Advice that Department’s telegram No. 123, September 13, was shown to the Brazilian Foreign Office, which will not take official notice of the matter. |
433 |
| Sept. 14 |
From the Mexican Ambassador
Representations against statements in the hearings before the Senate Investigating Committee which were offensive to the Government and the President of Mexico. |
433 |
| Sept. 15 (223) |
From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Resentment in Brazil over accusations of corruption, arising from the Senate investigation, which have not been substantiated. |
434 |
| Sept. 15 (193) |
From the Ambassador in Chile
Information concerning recent developments in sales of aviation equipment to the Chilean Government which, due to the munitions investigation, worked to the disadvantage of U. S. commercial interests and in favor of foreign competitors. |
434 |
| 1934 Sept. 17 |
To the Mexican Ambassador
Acknowledgment of note of September 14; letter received by the Secretary from the Chairman of the Committee, and Secretary’s statement to the press, both dated September 11 (texts printed) indicating that it was not the intention of the Committee or of any U. S. official to give offence to any other Government or its officials. |
436 |
| Sept. 17 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Argentine Ambassador’s request for text of certain telegrams, referred to in the Committee hearings but unpublished, allegedly dealing with certain transactions between American munitions manufacturers and Argentine Government officials, for his Government’s confidential information and for use in its investigation of the charges. |
438 |
| Sept. 18 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Chinese Minister’s request for the names of certain Chinese officials referred to in the Senate munitions investigation but not expressly named; reply that the request would be given consideration. |
438 |
| Sept. 18 |
From the Chinese Legation
Aide-mémoire denying press reports of allegations by Senator Nye that he had certain evidence indicating that the $10,000,000 wheat loan made to China in 1933 was used to buy arms rather than to feed the hungry Chinese; request for such evidence as the Senator is reported to have in his possession. |
439 |
| Sept. 19 (112) |
To the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Instructions to discuss informally with Foreign Minister reports of Argentine Government’s intention to present a note of protest, and possibly a diplomatic claim, in behalf of Argentine officials allegedly injured by testimony given before the Senate Investigating Committee, and to point out lack of grounds for such action. |
439 |
| Sept. 19 |
From the Peruvian Ambassador
Formal protest against charges before the Investigating Committee concerning purchases of armament by the Peruvian Government allegedly for the purpose of subsequent delivery to Bolivia. |
441 |
| Sept. 20 (163) |
From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Discussion with the Foreign Minister on subject of Department’s No. 112, September 19; Foreign Minister’s assurance that the purpose of the note which will be presented to the Department is to lay a juridical base for future use in relations with the United States or any other country. |
441 |
| Sept. 20 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation
With the German Ambassador
German Ambassador’s reference to charges before the Investigating Committee relating to the sale of armaments by American nationals to agencies in Germany, and his intimation that such purchases were for purely commercial purposes. |
442 |
| Sept. 22 (166) |
From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Information that the Foreign Minister considers the matter reported in telegram No. 163, September 20, as ended. |
443 |
| 1934 Sept. 22 (113) |
To the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Conversation with the Argentine Ambassador, who expressed his Government’s satisfaction with the U. S. reply to the Argentine note of September 7 and indicated that the proposed second note of protest would not be delivered. |
443 |
| Sept. 24 (1551) |
From the Minister in Ecuador
Report that there has been very little editorial comment in the local press concerning the munitions investigation, and explanation of probable reasons therefor. |
444 |
| Sept. 25 (429) |
From the Minister in China (tel.) Information concerning Chiang Kai-shek’s insistence that the Foreign Office press its request for disclosure to the Chinese Government of names of Chinese officials connected with allegations made before the Committee. |
445 |
| Sept. 25 (308) |
To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Office that appropriate steps have been taken to procure the information requested. |
445 |
| Sept. 25 (77) |
From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Foreign Minister’s request that two letters in U. S. possession concerning Colombian defense plans be eliminated from the published report of the Senate Investigating Committee; recommendation that the request be granted. |
445 |
| Sept. 25 |
From the Peruvian Ambassador
Protest against allegations of unfair practices of the Peruvian Government in connection with airplane purchases as previously referred to in a note of September 13 and as subsequently investigated by the Peruvian Government itself. |
446 |
| Sept. 27 (59) |
To the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Minister that the Colombian defense plans will be withheld from publication as requested. |
447 |
| Sept. 28 (438) |
From the Ambassador in Brazil
Information that although the local press has brought pressure on the Minister of War causing an investigation of the War Ministry, the Foreign Office has been able to exert a moderating influence on the press in dealing with the Senate inquiry; opinion, however, that U. S. business interests will suffer in future business dealings as a result of the issue. |
447 |
| Oct. 3 |
To the Chinese Minister
Information that the question concerning the wheat credit to China in 1933 is now under investigation by the Committee but has not been completed; Committee’s belief that the charges will not be substantiated. |
448 |
ADVICE AND CONSENT BY THE UNITED STATES SENATE TO RATIFICATION OF THE ARMS TRAFFIC CONVENTION OF JUNE 17, 1925, WITH RESERVATION IN REGARD TO THE PERSIAN GULF FAVORED BY THE PERSIAN MINISTER
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 12 |
To the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations
Recommendation for favorable action by the Committee and Senate toward ratification of the Arms Traffic Convention of 1925. |
449 |
| May 1 (144) |
To the American Delegate to the General Disarmament
Conference (tel.) Unanimous recommendation by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Senate give its advice and consent to ratification of the Arms Traffic Convention, with reservation that the ratification should not become effective until the treaty is ratified by 13 specified powers. |
450 |
| May 14 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Protest of the Persian Minister against ratification of the Convention on the ground that the provision relative to the Persian Gulf is unfair to Persia. |
451 |
| May 16 |
To the Persian Minister
Explanation of U. S. position with respect to the Convention and assurance that ratification would not alter U. S. support of Persian proposed modifications of the Convention in discussions of its revision at the General Disarmament Conference now in session at Geneva. |
451 |
| May 16 |
From the Persian Minister
Memorandum (text printed) outlining Persian objections to article 3 (Special Zones) of the Convention. |
453 |
| May 19 |
To the Persian Minister
Acknowledgment of Persian note of May 16; hope that U. S. note of May 16 has now been received and has satisfactorily explained the U. S. position. |
455 |
| May 25 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the Persian Minister, who insisted that it would be illegal for the United States to ratify the Convention in its original form inasmuch as revision of article 3 has already been sanctioned by the League Committee on Disarmament. |
455 |
| May 26 |
From the Persian Minister
Reiteration of Persian attitude toward U. S. ratification in its original form, and suggestion that ratification be made subject to the revision of article 3 decided by the League. |
456 |
| May 29 |
To the Persian Minister
Advice that although the U. S. Government is in accord with the position of Persian Government and the Disarmament Committee concerning revision of article 3, no record has been found indicative of an ultimate decision in the matter. |
457 |
ARMS TRAFFIC CONVENTION
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 4 |
To the Persian Minister
Advice that the type of reservation proposed by the Persian Government would not be possible under U. S. constitutional procedure; suggestion that the most appropriate action would appear to be U. S. ratification of the convention coupled with continued efforts at Geneva to secure its revision. |
458 |
| June 5 |
From the Persian Minister
Information that substance of Department’s communications of May 29 and June 4 has been transmitted to the Persian Government. |
458 |
| June 14 |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference
Information concerning contents of Persian note of June 5 (supra), and instructions for guidance in the event that the Persian delegate in Geneva should represent inaccurately the U. S. position. |
459 |
| June 15 |
To the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations
Expression of disappointment over Senate acceptance of a reservation by Senator King, implying recognition of alleged Persian rights in the Persian Gulf; Department’s hope for a reconsideration of this reservation and ratification without it. |
459 |
| June 18 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Telephone conversation with Senator Robinson concerning possibility of eliminating the King reservation; conclusion that nothing can be done now. |
460 |
| June 19 |
Memorandum by Mr. Joseph C. Green of the Division of
Western European Affairs
Outline of procedure, in accordance with precedent, to be followed in the ratification of the Convention of 1925, and under which there is no way for the President to ratify the Convention without the reservations. |
461 |
| June 20 (162) |
To the Chairman of the American Delegation (tel.) Transmittal of the King reservation (text printed), and advice of Department’s unsuccessful opposition to the portion pertaining to the Persian Gulf. |
461 |
| June 21 (910) |
From the American Delegate to the General Disarmament
Conference (tel.) Concurrence in Department’s concern with respect to the Persian Gulf provision of the King reservation; expression of hope that the President will consider whether, in view of all the circumstances, he should permit it to become law. |
462 |
| June 22 (438) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Advice that the Department has not as yet recommended ratification to the President and that no action will be taken until the Department receives further information concerning probable attitude of other parties to the Convention toward the Persian Gulf provision of the reservation; instructions to ascertain discreetly such opinions in this connection as may be of value. |
463 |
| June 23 (912) |
From the American Delegate (tel.) Report of British Legal Adviser’s opinion that there would be no legal effect but possibly a political effect in the King reservation. |
463 |
| 1934 June 25 (251) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to ascertain confidentially the reaction of the French Government to possible U. S. ratification of the Convention with the King reservation. (Instructions to repeat to London.) |
464 |
| June 25 (439) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Information that the Department is instructing the Ambassadors in London and Paris to sound out the British and French Governments with respect to the reservation. |
465 |
| June 26 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Persian Minister, who was informed of the Department’s unfavorable attitude toward his practice of approaching members of the Senate with his Government’s views without the Department’s knowledge of such action. |
465 |
| June 28 (22) |
To the Minister in Persia
Transmittal of copy of the Secretary’s memorandum of June 26, and instructions to read it aloud to the Foreign Minister but not to leave a copy of it or any aide-mémoire on the subject. |
466 |
| July 7 (391) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office view that the reservation has no substantial significance but might increase British difficulties in dealing with the Persian Government. |
467 |
| July 12 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs
Conversation with the Counselor of the British Embassy, who inquired as to the background and reasons for the reservation and indicated his Government’s concern that it would complicate Anglo-Persian relations; advice to the Counselor that U. S. ratification with the reservation would not imply any intention to interfere with the status quo in the Persian Gulf. |
467 |
| July 20 (539) |
From the Chargé in France (tel.) Advice that the Foreign Office has no objection to the reservation but feels that on legal grounds it would be necessary for France, as the depositary of the ratifications, to obtain the consent of all the other signatory powers. |
469 |
| Aug. 9 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Persian Minister, who conveyed his Government’s regret for the Minister’s recent tactics in approaching members of Senate but maintained the Persian position regarding sovereign rights in the Persian Gulf; Secretary’s reiteration of the U. S. position. |
469 |
| Aug. 11 |
From the Persian Minister
Record of the purport of the conversation with the Secretary on August 9. |
471 |
| Aug. 14 (444) |
To the American Delegate (tel.) Excerpt from the Persian Minister’s note of August 11 referring to certain agreed revisions of the Geneva Convention, allegedly approved by the American delegate; request for justification, if any, of these statements. |
474 |
| 1934 Aug. 15 (179) |
From the Minister in Persia
Conversation with a Foreign Office official, who reviewed the Persian reasons for opposing the Arms Traffic Convention of 1925 in an effort to convince the American Minister of the legality of Persian claims. |
474 |
| Aug. 15 |
To President Roosevelt
Review of developments in connection with the Persian Gulf reservation to the Arms Traffic Convention; recommendation that the Convention be returned to the Senate for its further advice and reconsideration of the reservation. |
476 |
| Aug. 16 (924) |
From the Secretary of the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference (tel.) Advice that no final decision concerning the questions raised by the Persian Minister, referred to in Department’s telegram No. 444, August 14, has been taken by the committees or subcommittees on regulation of trade in and manufacture of arms. |
479 |
| Aug. 22 |
From Mr. Joseph C. Green of the Division of Western
European Affairs to the Acting Secretary of State
Transmittal of draft Instrument of Ratification for the Arms Traffic Convention of 1925 (text printed) embodying suggestions by the President for a statement interpreting the King reservation. Opinion, however, that the only practical solution would be the elimination of the reservation. |
480 |
| Aug. 24 |
To the Persian Minister
Objection to the general tenor and inaccurate statements of the Persian Minister’s note of August 11; advice that no useful purpose can be served by further discussion of the Convention with the Minister. |
481 |
| Aug. 25 |
From the Persian Minister
Persian Minister’s explanation of his note of August 11. |
482 |
| Aug. 28 (45) |
To the Minister in Persia
Transmittal of correspondence between the Department and the Persian Minister for use, if considered helpful, in conversation with competent Persian officials. |
483 |
| Sept. 15 (31) |
From the Minister in Persia (tel.) Suggestion that the King reservation be not approved in view of a veiled threat by a Persian official that repercussions would result if the U. S. Government failed to follow the Senate’s lead. |
484 |
| Oct. 27 (250) |
From the Minister in Persia
Conversation with the Prime Minister concerning the discourtesy of the Persian Minister and the resulting stalemate in Convention conversations. |
484 |
| Nov. 15 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Persian Minister’s expression of nonintention of deliberately violating proprieties in his recent conduct in connection with treaty conversations. |
485 |
| Dec. 15 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs
Conversation with Senator King, who inquired as to the present status of the treaty and its future prospects. |
486 |
| 1934 Dec. 17 |
From the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
to the Secretary of State
Suggestion that the correspondence concerning treaty negotiations be transmitted to the President with the recommendation that he discuss the matter with Senator Pittman, looking toward steps for removal of the King reservation. |
487 |
NEGOTIATIONS LOOKING TOWARD AN “EASTERN LOCARNO” PACT OF MUTUAL GUARANTEE
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 6 (876) |
From the Chairman of the American Delegation to the
General Disarmament Conference (tel.) Information from French Foreign Minister Barthou that he and Soviet Foreign Minister Litvinov have reached a preliminary agreement on certain aspects of an “Eastern Locarno”. |
489 |
| June 20 (948) |
From the Ambassador in Germany
Report of Litvinov’s recent visit to Berlin during which he suggested to Foreign Minister von Neurath that Germany should join a pact of nonaggression, consultation, and mutual assistance, to which Russia, Germany, the Border States including Finland, Poland and the Little Entente, should be parties; press reports indicating opposition of Mussolini to such a regional pact. |
489 |
| June 22 (129) |
From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Conversation with Foreign Minister Suvich, who elaborated upon the topics of recent discussions between Mussolini and Hitler; Hitler’s indication that he will reply in the negative to Litvinov’s proposal for an Eastern Locarno. |
491 |
| July 7 (1011) |
From the Ambassador in Germany
Information from the Foreign Office as to German attitude toward proposed pact. |
493 |
| July 10 (398) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Davis (Chairman of the American Delegation to the General Disarmament Conference): Conversation with Barthou, who summarized the results of his recent talks in London as having obtained certain assurances of British support of the pact. |
494 |
| July 13 (143) |
From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Latest press reports indicating that Italy will approve the pact but withhold participation. |
496 |
| July 16 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs
Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador, who was told, upon inquiry, that the Department has no information concerning a Mediterranean Pact, allegedly discussed by Barthou during his recent negotiations. |
496 |
| July 20 (204) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Discussion with Litvinov of the status of the Locarno negotiations. |
496 |
EASTERN LOCARNO PACT
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 July 20 (206) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Indications that Soviet diplomacy has been active with a view to obtaining participation of the Baltic States in the Eastern Locarno; also that the chief anxiety of the Soviet Government is with regard to the adhesion of Poland. |
498 |
| July 24 (1067) |
From the Ambassador in Germany
Transmittal of texts of original French proposal, British amendments accepted by the French, and a memorandum setting forth German objections to the pact. |
498 |
| July 27 (105) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union
Summary of events pointing to improved relations between Great Britain and the Soviet Union with resultant marked change in the tone of the Soviet press. |
502 |
| July 30 (225) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Information that the Latvian and Estonian Foreign Ministers made declarations, July 29, to enter the Eastern Locarno with the Soviet Union provided Poland and Germany also enter it. |
505 |
| July 30 (226) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Information from the Latvian Minister that in case Poland and Germany should refuse to enter the pact, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania would nevertheless join it with France, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union; also that Poland and Lithuania are approaching agreement on certain points. |
506 |
| Aug. 3 (241) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Joint statement, August 2 (excerpt printed), issued by Litvinov and the Lithuanian Foreign Minister with respect to the Eastern Locarno proposal. |
507 |
| Aug. 3 (243) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Conversation with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, who expressed his intention of acting in concert with Litvinov to bring about the Eastern Locarno and denied reports of continued Lithuanian-Polish negotiations, adding that purely economic negotiations may be carried forward at a later date. |
507 |
| Sept. 5 (46) |
From the Ambassador in Poland (tel.) Foreign Minister’s opinion that the Eastern Locarno will fail. |
508 |
| Sept. 20 (1300) |
From the Ambassador in Germany
German memorandum (text printed) rejecting the proposal for an Eastern Pact of Mutual Assistance sponsored by the French and the Soviets; information that the Foreign Office does not, however, reject the idea of further negotiations. |
509 |
| Sept. 25 (325) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Information that the Soviet Government has given up hope of concluding an Eastern Locarno Pact, but is still confident that France and Czechoslovakia will make an agreement with the Soviet Union for mutual defense. |
516 |
| Oct. 5 (341) |
From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Conversation with Litvinov, who expressed the opinion that establishment of the Pact was not a completely lost objective but one that would require a number of months for negotiations. |
516 |
| 1934 Oct. 9 (448) |
From the Ambassador in Poland
Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who outlined Polish objections to the Eastern Locarno Pact which he said he had set forth in writing and had transmitted to the French Government. |
517 |
| Dec. 9 (407) |
From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Summary of press announcement and of editorial comments upon the conclusion of a Franco-Soviet protocol looking toward continued efforts to establish the Pact and to withhold any separate negotiations with other Governments which would run counter to its spirit. |
519 |
| Dec. 11 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Information from the Soviet Chargé as to the substance of the Franco-Soviet protocol which was signed in Geneva on December 5. |
521 |
| Dec. 13 (533) |
From the Ambassador in Poland
Discussion with the Foreign Minister of the Polish attitude toward a revised Eastern Locarno Pact purporting to make certain concessions to the Polish point of view. |
521 |
| Dec. 27 (310) |
From the Chargé in the Soviet Union
Transmittal of English version of the official Franco-Soviet protocol (text printed) as it appeared in the Soviet press on December 20. |
523 |
ATTITUDE OF CERTAIN FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TOWARD THE JOHNSON ACT PROHIBITING LOANS TO DEBTOR GOVERNMENTS IN DEFAULT TO THE UNITED STATES; INTERPRETATIONS OF THE ACT
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 31 |
To Senator Joseph T. Robinson
Memorandum by the Legal Adviser (text printed), setting forth reasons for eliminating certain phraseology in the Johnson bill (S. 682) in order to confine its scope to defaulted obligations to the Government of the United States. Information that the President of the Foreign Bondholders Protective Council shares the hope of President Roosevelt that such modification will be made in the bill. |
525 |
| Feb. 5 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Protest of the British Ambassador against the passage of the Johnson bill. |
527 |
| Apr. 12 |
To President Roosevelt
Transmittal of the enrolled bill S. 682, with indication that the Department has no objection to the form of the bill. |
527 |
| Apr. 23 |
To the Attorney General
Memorandum by the Legal Adviser, April 21 (text printed), giving opinion on questions raised in connection with interpretation of certain aspects of the Johnson bill. (Footnote: Receipt of a letter dated May 5 giving opinion of the Attorney General on these questions.) |
528 |
JOHNSON ACT
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 24 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
French Ambassador’s inquiry as to effect of the Johnson Act upon the status of Governments proposing “token payments” on war debts due the United States; reply that this question is included in a series of interpretative questions now before the Department of Justice and that the Ambassador will be advised of any definitive answer received by the Department. |
532 |
| May 3 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Rumanian Minister, who inquired as to when the Department of Justice would complete its work of interpreting the Johnson Act. |
533 |
| May 7 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
French Government’s desire for an official interpretation of the Attorney General’s opinion concerning debtor countries which make some partial or token payments. |
533 |
| May 8 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Discussion of the French inquiry with President Roosevelt; the President’s opinion that countries making partial payments must be considered in default under the terms of the Johnson Act. |
534 |
| May 11 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
British Ambassador’s inquiry with respect to the applicability of the Johnson Act in the case of Great Britain. Advice that on and after June 15 the terms of the Act would apply and that countries not making full payments must be regarded as in default. |
535 |
| May 14 |
Memorandum by the Legal Adviser
Opinion regarding question raised by the Counsel for the Foreign Bondholders Protective Council with respect to application of the Johnson Act to American bondholders of certain German scrip or funding bonds. (Footnote: Information that the Attorney General, in a letter of May 18, concurred in the Legal Adviser’s opinion that under the circumstances the acceptance of the scrip or funding bonds by American bondholders is not forbidden by the Act.) |
536 |
| May 15 |
Memorandum by the Legal Adviser
Opinion that governments which have made token payments in the past and are now in the nondefaulting category and which pay the full amount of the June 15 installment should not be considered in default. (Footnote: Information that the Attorney General concurred in this opinion on May 18.) |
540 |
| May 22 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the President concerning his recent inconclusive discussion of debts with the British Ambassador. |
541 |
| 1934 June 12 |
To the Minister in Czechoslovakia (circ. tel.) Information that the Attorney General has rendered an opinion that Governments in the same category as Great Britain (Czechoslovakia, Italy, Latvia, and Lithuania) would not fall within the prohibitions of the Johnson Act should they pay the full amount of the installment next due on their indebtedness. (Footnote: Instructions to repeat to Italy, Latvia, and Lithuania.) |
542 |
NEGOTIATIONS WITH REGARD TO CERTAIN INTERGOVERNMENTAL DEBTS DUE THE UNITED STATES
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 | (Note: Information concerning publication of exchanges of correspondence between the United States and various foreign governments with regard to foreign debts owing to the United States.) | 543 |
| May 22 |
To President Roosevelt
Memorandum (text printed) outlining a number of possible courses of action for dealing with the war debts, with attention called to alternative B, which in substance consists of Congressional authority, vested in the President, to receive payments in the currency or credit of the debtor countries, rather than in New York funds, which will be utilized as a credit pool for the stimulation of world trade. |
543 |
| June 1 |
To the Ambassador in France (circ. tel.) Transmittal of the President’s message to Congress, June 1 (excerpt printed), concerning the war debts question and indicating repeated assurances to the debtor countries of U.S. willingness to discuss fully and frankly the special circumstances relating to means and methods of payment. |
556 |
| Oct. 31 |
To President Roosevelt
Transmittal of a memorandum, October 27 (text printed), summarizing several new suggestions for handling the war debts question which have been received by the Department since its memorandum of May 22 was forwarded to the President. |
557 |
Belgium
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Reference to correspondence in Press Releases.) | 559 |
Czechoslovakia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Reference to correspondence in Press Releases.) | 559 |
INTERGOVERNMENTAL DEBTS
Estonia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Reference to correspondence in Press Releases.) | 559 |
Finland
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Dec. 22 |
From President Roosevelt
Approval of a draft schedule prepared by the Treasury Department suggesting three possible bases for readjustment of Finland’s indebtedness to the United States; expression of preference for the 30-year plan. |
559 |
| 1934 Jan. 6 |
To the Finnish Legation
Aide-mémoire presenting the Treasury Department’s schedule (text printed); advice that upon Finnish acceptance of one of the proposals, the President has authorized the preparation of an agreement to be submitted to Congress for approval. |
560 |
| Undated |
Memorandum by the Assistant Economic Adviser of a
Conversation With the Finnish Minister on January 8, 1934
Discussion of negotiations for rearrangement of the Finnish debt, and clarification of certain aspects of the U.S. proposal. |
562 |
| Jan. 11 |
From the Finnish Legation
Acceptance of the 30-year plan as suggested by the Department with reservation concerning Finland’s future adherence to the most-favored-nation principle. |
563 |
| Mar. 29 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Inquiry of the Finnish Minister as to the status of the agreement for debt rearrangement, and reply that the President has reached no decision as yet on sending it to Congress, owing to the complicated Congressional situation at present. |
563 |
| May 23 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Explanation to the Finnish Minister of reasons why the President feels that conditions are not favorable for presenting the debt arrangement to Congress at this session. |
564 |
| (Note: Reference to additional correspondence in Press Releases.) | 565 |
France
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 16 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Discussion with the President of French inquiry as to whether President Roosevelt would send to Congress in the near future a message on the war debts question; President’s reply in the negative. |
565 |
| Mar. 7 (172) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Receipt of intimations that French Government would like to know what method of war debt settlement would be acceptable to United States; reply that it would seem that proposals should come from the debtor. |
566 |
| 1934 Mar. 8 (93) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Approval of reply to intimations concerning war debt settlement. |
566 |
| May 9 (355) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information concerning continued intimations with respect to French war debt position, and résumé of arguments which would prompt France to make a token payment to the United States on June 15. |
566 |
| May 9 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of Stale
Discussion with French Ambassador concerning the President’s view that under the Johnson Act partial payment after June 15 would not prevent a debtor country from being in default; Ambassador’s regret in view of recommendations which he had submitted to his Government for payment. (Footnote: Information that this memorandum was transmitted to the Embassy in France as telegram No. 181, May 9.) |
567 |
| June 7 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with French Ambassador, who outlined the course which he would recommend to his Government concerning the debt question. |
568 |
| June 12 (434) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Decision of Council of Ministers to maintain the position created by the decision of the Chamber in 1932 with regard to war debts. |
569 |
| June 29 |
To President Roosevelt
Suggestion that, while the last French note declining payment does not necessitate a reply, it would be advisable to make one for purposes of record and of keeping the obligation before the French Government. (Footnote: Information that no record of a reply by President Roosevelt or of one to the French Government has been found in the Department files.) |
569 |
| Sept. 4 (1183) |
From the Ambassador in France
Conversation with the Foreign Minister, during which the Ambassador outlined his personal suggestion for French debt payments. |
570 |
| Oct. 26 (1314) |
From the Ambassador in France
Memorandum, October 25 (text printed), of a conversation with the new Foreign Minister on the debt situation, during which the latter maintained the position that there could be no debt payments by France without resumption of reparation payments. |
573 |
| Nov. 22 (1379) |
From the Ambassador in France
Memorandum, November 21 (text printed), of a conversation with Premier Flandin, during which the Ambassador outlined his personal suggestion for French debt payments as set forth in despatch No. 1183, September 4, emphasizing that the initiation of the idea would have to come from the French side. |
578 |
| 1934 Nov. 27 (1386) |
From the Ambassador in France
Further conversation with Flandin concerning French attitude on the debt question; his opinion that no different reply could be made to U. S. note regarding December 15 payment than had been sent in the past; that suggested indication of possible future consideration of payment might be embodied in a separate communication. |
583 |
| Dec. 21 (1466) |
From the Ambassador in France
Discussion of debts with Foreign Minister Laval, who reiterated his point of view concerning the connection between reparations and payment of war debts. |
584 |
Great Britain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Reference to correspondence in Press Releases.) | 587 |
Hungary
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Reference to correspondence in Press Releases.) | 587 |
Italy
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 11 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Inquiry of the Italian Ambassador as to what the U. S. reply would be if on June 15 the Italian Government made the same payment on the war debts which it had made on the last two installments, and whether it would be received without any comment. (Footnote: Reply that the U. S. Government would receive the funds and send an acknowledgment.) |
587 |
| (Note: Reference to additional correspondence in Press Releases.) | 587 |
Latvia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 24 (309) |
From the Minister in Latvia
Indication that Latvia will follow the lead of Great Britain in the matter of June 15 payment on war debts. |
587 |
| June 12 |
From the Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Chargé in Latvia
Declaration of suspension of all debt payments to the United States pending final revision of the Debt Refunding Agreement of September 24, 1925; nonintention, however, of repudiating obligations, and willingness to enter upon further discussion of the subject at any time which is agreeable to the U. S. Government. |
588 |
| (Note: Reference to additional correspondence in Press Releases.) | 589 |
Lithuania
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Reference to correspondence in Press Releases.) | 590 |
Poland
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 27 |
From the Ambassador in Poland
Conversation with the Financial Counselor of the Polish Embassy in Washington, who said that he had come to Warsaw for the purpose of stressing the necessity of some sort of token payment on the Polish debt to the United States. |
590 |
| June 4 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the Polish Ambassador with respect to negotiating a settlement of the war debt to the United States. |
590 |
| (Note: Reference to additional correspondence in Press Releases.) | 591 |
Rumania
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 24 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Rumanian Minister’s request that in any debt message which the President might send to Congress Rumania should not be classed among the countries in default. |
591 |
| June 14 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs
Conversation with the Rumanian Minister, who referred to a recent note delivered to the Secretary stating Rumanian intention to suspend all further payments on war debts pending a rediscussion of the entire problem; Minister’s expression of interest in the idea of payments in kind—an idea which had been mentioned in the press with reference to Great Britain. |
592 |
| (Note: Reference to additional correspondence in Press Releases.) | 592 |
Yugoslavia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 28 |
To the Yugoslav Chargé
Statement of amounts due on Yugoslav war debt on June 15. (Footnote: No reply from the Yugoslav Government found in Department files.) |
593 |
INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES IN CLEARING AND COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS AND THE GOLD BLOC
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 28 |
From the Director of the Economic Relations Section of
the League of Nations
Observations on growth of the system of clearing and compensation agreements and proposed study of the subject by the League of Nations Economic Committee; suggestion for consultations between the United States, Great Britain, and the five countries of the “gold bloc”. |
594 |
CLEARING AGREEMENTS
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Oct. 3 (287) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Council resolution, September 28 (text printed), authorizing inquiry into the subject of compensation and clearing agreements and creating a joint committee composed of members of the Economic and Financial Committees to supervise the inquiry and make report. Request for instructions concerning proposal for U. S. participation in the work. |
596 |
| Oct. 4 |
To the Director of the Economic Relations Section of
the League of Nations
Concurrence in Director Stoppani’s observations as set forth in his letter of August 28; opinion as to effect of present developments on the carrying out of U. S. policy envisaging gradual elimination of exchange controls and reestablishment of international trade on a sounder basis. |
598 |
| Undated (Rec’d Oct. 13) |
Communiqué Issued by Gold Bloc States Following
Meetings in Geneva
Record of meetings, September 24 and 25, to examine world economic and financial problems and methods of international cooperation; decision to establish a commission which might at first devote its work to the objects of increase of trade and development of tourism and transportation. |
599 |
| Oct, 5 (100) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Instructions to inform Stoppani of the U. S. Government’s interest and desire to participate in the work of the Joint Committee. |
600 |
| Oct. 13 |
Memorandum by the Secretariat of the League of Nations
Concerning the Enquiry Into Compensation and Clearing
Agreements
Definition of aims and procedure drawn up by the Secretariat with a view to the preliminary meeting of the Joint Committee to be held in Paris on October 18. |
601 |
| Oct, 19 (777) |
From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Preliminary meeting of the Joint Committee, at which decision was made to examine, first of all, clearing arrangements, i. e., those which tend to regulate actual payments for exchanges between countries, and in this connection to send a questionnaire to various countries. |
608 |
| Oct. 20 |
Protocol Signed at Brussels by the Chiefs of the
Belgian, French, Italian, Luxemburg, Polish, and Swiss
Delegations
Declaration of the aims of the gold bloc countries in their study of clearing agreements. |
609 |
| Oct. 26 (302) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Information concerning composition of the Joint Committee; also that Stoppani perceives no difficulty in arranging for American participation. |
610 |
| Oct. 27 (1059 Pol.) |
From the Consul at Geneva
Conversation with Stoppani with respect to the results of the recent conference of the gold bloc states in Brussels; Stoppani’s opinion that the collaboration of these states is limited not only by internal opposition to concessions but also by the fear of offending states outside the group, particularly Great Britain and Germany. |
611 |
| 1934 Oct. 31 (109) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) U. S. willingness to collaborate with the Joint Committee and to appoint a representative at the time desired. |
612 |
| Nov. 8 |
To Mr. C. E. Smets of the Economic Relations Section
of the League of Nations
Desire for effective U. S. participation in work of the Joint Committee, and suggestion for an additional questionnaire to be dispatched to all governments. |
612 |
| Nov. 23 (122) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Instructions to inform Stoppani of U. S. misgiving as to whether the subject to be examined by the Joint Committee will receive sufficiently rounded consideration in all its aspects; U. S. opinion that the study should also include consideration of problems created for third countries and other indirect results stemming from existing clearing agreements. |
614 |
| Dec. 15 (387) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Advice that other correspondence which preceded Department’s telegram No. 122 of November 23 answers the query raised therein; willingness of the Secretariat, however, to circulate among the members of the Joint Committee an informal memorandum on the subject if the United States desires to formulate one. |
614 |
ATTITUDE OF THE UNITED STATES TOWARD NEGOTIATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT ON RUBBER PRODUCTION
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Nov. 18 (832) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands
Report of negotiations in London, October 26, between representatives of the British, French, and Netherland interested parties, leading to an agreement concerning the conditions upon which a restriction of the output of rubber might be effected. |
615 |
| Dec. 8 (34) |
To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Instructions to inform the proper Netherland authorities of U. S. interest in the international plan under discussion; also to request any other available information concerning the plan and to refer informally to pertinent resolution passed by the Monetary and Economic Conference. |
616 |
| Dec. 15 (855) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands
Conversation with Dr. Colijn, Prime Minister and Minister for the Colonies, who called attention to the unofficial nature of the present negotiations and expressed his views on the tentative plan, which will adhere to the principle set forth in the resolution of the Monetary and Economic Conference. |
616 |
| 1934 Jan. 4 (864) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands
Information that the international plan for restriction of rubber output may come into effect in April or May; controversy among producers as to plan for the restriction of native rubber output. |
617 |
RUBBER AGREEMENT
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 13 (2) |
To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Inquiry as to the status of the proposed international rubber plan and any further details as to its terms. |
618 |
| Jan. 16 (11) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information as to position of the British interests and the British Government; possibility that the three Governments will be able to put the restriction plan in force within a few months. |
619 |
| Jan. 19 (1) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Report of inconclusive developments with respect to the restriction plan, which was submitted to the Conference of the International Rubber Association at Amsterdam, January 18. |
619 |
| Jan. 23 (5) |
To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Observations concerning the restriction plan, to be brought to attention of the Netherland Government; specific instructions to put forward certain constructive suggestions if the appropriate occasion for such discussion arises. (Footnote: The same telegram, mutatis mutandis, with one additional paragraph, to the Chargé in Great Britain.) |
620 |
| Feb. 12 (9) |
To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Instructions to inquire of Colijn the status of discussions regarding rubber agreement and to inform him of the Department’s opinion that effectiveness of section 3 (d) of the London Economic Conference resolution can be assured only by granting to consuming countries representation on the International Committee. |
622 |
| Feb. 14 (4) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Information from Colijn of proposal in recent London discussions to establish an advisory committee of three, appointed by consumers but having no vote; request for Department’s views regarding the adequacy or inadequacy of the proposal. |
622 |
| Feb. 15 (59) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information from the Foreign Office that the appropriate section of the London Economic Conference resolution would be taken into consideration, and that the final rubber restriction plan will be a government measure and not merely a plan prepared under government auspices and turned over to the producers to be put into effect. |
623 |
| Feb. 23 (10) |
To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Understanding that rubber agreement has been accepted and may be signed by March 1; instructions, upon verification of information, to submit a written note to the Netherland Government, expressing Department’s desire for adequate assurances concerning consumer protection and representation and price control. Approval of proposed consumers’ advisory committee under certain conditions. |
623 |
| Feb. 23 (61) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information and instructions similar to contents of Department’s telegram No. 10 of February 23 to the Minister in the Netherlands. |
624 |
| 1934 Feb. 26 (8) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Interview with Colijn during which Department’s views were set forth; Colijn’s assurance of support of Department’s suggestion regarding consumers’ advisory committee, and his confirmation of report that restriction agreement will be signed soon. |
625 |
| Feb. 27 (68) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advice of Colijn’s promised support of consumer participation, and instructions to press the matter again with the British Government, withholding, however, knowledge of Colijn’s support, and to restate the U. S. view regarding necessity for price assurance. |
625 |
| Feb. 27 (11) |
To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Advice of instructions to the Ambassador in London to reemphasize U. S. position in order to secure rights for consumers’ committee and to assure price protection. |
626 |
| Feb. 28 (82) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Unofficial British reply (text printed) to U. S. views presented in accordance with Department’s No. 61, February 23, advising of probable British position on the two points raised by the Department when the matter comes before the British Government officially. |
627 |
| Feb. 28 (85) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Discussion with the Foreign Office of steps which will precede the final adoption of any restrictive plan. Intention to discuss situation with Prime Minister at forthcoming interview. |
628 |
| Mar. 1 (75) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Approval of proposed discussion with the Prime Minister in view of conflicting reports on the status of negotiations and of inadequate assurances from British Government with respect to consumers’ rights and price protection. Suggestion that written record of U. S. position be made in the Colonial Office also. |
629 |
| Mar. 2 (88) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advice that U. S. views have been presented to the Prime Minister, who has promised to give the matter his personal attention. |
630 |
| Mar. 4 (9) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Presentation of U. S. position to the Netherland Government. Colijn’s decision to adopt an export tax system on native Netherlands East Indies rubber. Opinion of Baron Van Lynden, Director of United States Rubber Plantations, that with U. S. pressure some concession may be obtained for certain American companies producing special grades of rubber. |
630 |
| Mar. 5 (80) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Request for verification of report that restriction agreement will be signed by the British and Netherland committees on March 7, in view of British Government’s advice that matter had not yet received official consideration and that way was still open for consideration of American proposals. |
631 |
| 1934 Mar. 6 (11) |
From the Chargé in the Netherlands (tel.) Information that the British and Netherland Producers’ Committees are in agreement and that the Netherland Government will accept the Committee’s draft. |
631 |
| Mar. 6 (86) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to inform the British Government of U. S. understanding that the rubber restriction agreement, to be signed by the producers’ committees on March 7, is in no sense binding upon the Governments concerned; further, to inform the appropriate authorities that certain American manufacturer-growers will press for exemption from restriction of special types of rubber where produced on their own plantations. |
632 |
| Mar. 8 (107) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Personal assurance from the Prime Minister that “the matter of rubber has now been taken up” in the light of U. S. position; information from Foreign Office that no rubber restriction agreement has been signed by producers’ committee to date. |
633 |
| Mar. 10 (13) |
From the Chargé in the Netherlands (tel.) Foreign Office note (text printed) advising of nonobjection to presence of consumers’ representatives at eventual meetings of restriction committee and of Government’s intention to instruct Netherland delegation to oppose any excessive increase in prices. |
633 |
| Mar. 15 (17) |
From the Chargé in the Netherlands (tel.) Rejection of United States Rubber Co.’s formulas by the Netherland Producers’ Committee; advice of suspension of regular meetings of the Producers’ Committee owing to difficulties between the British and Netherland representatives. |
634 |
| Mar. 15 (100) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Request for information on certain enumerated points regarding negotiations and reasons for delay in final signature of agreement. |
634 |
| Mar. 19 (118) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information that producers’ agreement may be reached within 10 days. Expectation of reply from Foreign Office to note based on Department’s No. 75, March 1, and suggestion that a questionnaire of desired information be prepared by the Department for Embassy’s use at time of receipt of Foreign Office reply. |
635 |
| Mar. 22 (22) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Completion of Netherland Producers’ Committee work and indication of early accord with the British; advice that the British Producers’ Committee is giving attention to special claims of the manufacturer-growers. |
636 |
| Mar. 23 (127) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information that producers’ agreement will be delayed for two more weeks; receipt of Foreign Office note (text printed) setting forth assurances with respect to the objectives and machinery of any rubber restriction scheme which the British Government is prepared to countenance. |
637 |
| 1934 Mar. 28 (118) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to follow up at once the discussions concerning the rubber restriction program, guided by certain observations of the Department which may be presented in the form of an aide-mémoire (text printed). |
640 |
| Apr. 2 (131) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Enumeration of further specific points to be clarified in discussions with the British authorities. |
642 |
| Apr. 4 (151) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Summary of oral information from the Colonial Office in reply to points raised in Department’s No. 131, April 2; expectation of written reply in due course to these and other questions raised by Department. |
643 |
| Apr. 7 (140) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions for guidance in further discussion of oral observations of the Colonial Office reported in telegram No. 151, April 4. |
645 |
| Apr. 10 (158) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office letter, April 9 (text printed), confirming oral observations of the Colonial Office; advice that suggestions in Department’s No. 140 of April 7 could be effectively embodied in a written reply to the Foreign Office letter. |
647 |
| Apr. 12 (148) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to present an aide-mémoire to the Foreign Office as suggested; opinion that the British are not showing any strong disposition to meet U. S. point of view. |
649 |
| Apr. 20 (154) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Inquiry as to status of presentation of U. S. position. |
650 |
| Apr. 24 (160) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Receipt of information indicating that the rubber restriction agreement will be signed April 28, to enter into effect almost immediately. |
650 |
| Apr. 26 (203) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Substance of oral statement made to Sir Robert Vansittart, British Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of confirmation received in London of Department’s No. 160, April 24. |
651 |
| Apr. 26 (164) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Approval of oral statement made to Vansittart. |
652 |
| Apr. 27 (661) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office reply, April 26 (text printed), to Embassy’s aide-mémoire based on Department’s telegrams No. 118 of March 28 and No. 148 of April 12. |
652 |
| Apr. 28 (166) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to reemphasize Department’s views concerning price protection and consumer participation inasmuch as the British reply does not substantially lessen the Department’s doubts regarding the rubber restriction plan as outlined. |
656 |
| 1934 Apr. 28 (30) |
From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Advice that rubber producers’ restriction agreement was signed April 28, in keeping with outline given by the British Government unofficially to the London Embassy; résumé of certain provisions. Summary of note from the Foreign Office enclosing copy of the agreement. |
657 |
| Apr. 30 (210) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Receipt from Foreign Office of copy of Rubber Producers’ Agreement and a memorandum on the draft of the intergovernmental agreement; also information that the British Government is prepared to take the necessary measures to put the Producers’ Agreement into effect subject to similar undertakings by other governments concerned. Presentation of views expressed in Department’s No. 166, April 28. |
658 |
| Apr. 30 (665) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office aide-mémoire (text printed) concerning the proposed rubber restriction plan and provisions for appointment of an American representative of manufacturers. |
659 |
| May 14 (195) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advisability of nomination of American representative directly by consuming interests through the most suitable organization, and information that the matter is being brought to the attention of the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association. |
661 |
| Dec. 3 (120) |
From the Chargé in the Netherlands
Report of fairly successful operation of the rubber restriction plan, which has been in effect 6 months; opinion that confidence can be placed in the Netherland members of the International Committee and the Netherland Government to maintain a firm attitude against British efforts to raise the price of rubber, provided the methods adopted for restriction control and price control prove effective. |
662 |
PARTICIPATION OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE LONDON PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE ON SUGAR, MARCH 5–10, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 4 (1) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Confidential information that Avenol, in his capacity as Secretary General of the Monetary and Economic Conference, has received a tentative proposal from the International Sugar Council that preliminary discussions be held between the parties to the Chadbourne Plan and the United States and Great Britain, looking toward a possible world sugar convention; that the British reaction is favorable, and that U. S. reaction is awaited before further steps are taken. |
664 |
| Jan. 13 (3) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Concurrence in the proposal for exploratory conversations on sugar; instructions to suggest to Avenol the desirability of inviting to the preliminary meeting the other exporting nations and the principal importing nations besides those mentioned by the Sugar Council. |
665 |
LONDON SUGAR CONFERENCE
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 25 (22) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Secretariat’s receipt of further views from the British Colonial Office after being apprised of the American suggestions; advice that the Secretariat invites additional U. S. views but is inclined, as are the British, to favor preliminary conversations with limited representation, as was done in the case of wheat. |
666 |
| Jan. 26 (24) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Receipt by the Secretariat of the Sugar Council’s opinion, which coincides in substance with the British view; advice that Stoppani, Director of the Economics Section of the League of Nations, would appreciate any further advice with respect to the U. S. position before departing on January 29 for London to confer with Prime Minister MacDonald. |
667 |
| Jan. 27 (9) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Definition of U. S. position and of basis on which Department is willing to participate in the preliminary conference. |
668 |
| Feb. 6 (28) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Advice that a formal invitation (text printed) within the scope of the U. S. position will be forwarded to the Department through the Legation at Bern; opinion of the Secretariat that all invited powers will accept. |
668 |
| Feb. 21 (14) |
To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to address a letter of acceptance (text printed) to Secretary General Avenol. |
669 |
| Feb. 21 (260) |
To the Chargé in Great Britain
Memorandum of Basic Instructions (text printed) for guidance of the American delegation, which will be headed by Mr. Atherton. |
670 |
| Mar. 2 (79) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Atherton: Instructions to insert in the “Basic Instructions” several paragraphs relative to the Philippine sugar plan. |
674 |
| Mar. 5 (97) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Atherton: Report of the opening of the sugar conference without representation from Germany or the Dominican Republic; advice that British and American statements are scheduled for March 6. |
675 |
| Mar. 7 (90) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Atherton: Information that President Roosevelt’s message on March 2 pertaining to Philippine independence contained no suggested changes in the provisions of law affecting the marketing of Philippine sugar in the United States. |
676 |
| Mar. 8 (108) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) From Atherton: Advice that the Chadbourne countries want dictum commitment relative to disposal of initial surplus Philippine sugar; delegation’s temporary position pending instructions. |
676 |
| 1934 Mar. 10 (95) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) For Atherton: Approval of the delegation’s position with regard to disposal of initial Philippine surplus; advice, however, that the U. S. Government cannot undertake any commitment regarding surplus disposal until Congress has acted on the sugar bill now before it. |
676 |
| Mar. 12 |
From the American Delegation to the Preliminary
Conference on Sugar
Transmittal of report on the preliminary meeting on the coordination of production and marketing of sugar, held at London, March 5–10 (extract printed); adjournment until certain conditions are fulfilled, including passage of U. S. legislation. |
677 |
| Dec. 28 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin
American Affairs
Résumé of developments since the preliminary conference was held in March; probability that upon receipt of a satisfactory expression of Netherland views, the British will convene another world conference. |
679 |
PROTESTS BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AGAINST THE NRA SHIPPING CODE; PROJECT FOR AN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING CONFERENCE
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Oct. 28 |
To the Danish Minister
Information, in reply to previous inquiry, concerning provisions of a proposed new code for the shipping industry; advice that a hearing will be held about November 6 for expression of views regarding the code by interested parties. |
681 |
| Nov. 8 |
To the National Recovery Administration
Advice that William R. Vallance of the Legal Adviser’s Office will attend the hearing on the general shipping code on November 9 as a representative of the Department. |
681 |
| Nov. 18 |
To the National Recovery Administration
Request that shipping code as finally proposed be submitted to the Department for consideration before being sent to the President for approval. |
682 |
| Nov. 21 |
From the Assistant Deputy Administrator of the
National Recovery Administration
Assurance that Department will be kept informed of developments in regard to the shipping code. |
682 |
| 1934 Feb. 12 (12) |
From the Danish Minister
Representations against the revised draft code, since it apparently extends U. S. jurisdiction to foreign vessels and violates treaty rights regarding free access to ports for purposes of international trade. |
683 |
| Feb. 14 |
From the Norwegian Legation
Representations against applicability of the code to foreign shipping and violation of treaty rights pertaining to freedom of commerce and navigation. |
685 |
NRA SHIPPING CODE
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 16 |
From the National Recovery Administrator
Explanation of the code, and advice that the text will be clarified to assure noninterference with nationals of other countries on foreign flag vessels or with rights guaranteed by treaty. |
687 |
| Feb. 17 |
To the Danish Minister
Advice that the draft code has not been placed in final form and has consequently not been approved by the NRA; clarification of provisions regarding foreign vessels. (Footnote: Information that the Norwegian Minister was advised similarly on February 19.) |
689 |
| Feb. 26 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Analysis of legal and diplomatic problems arising from the proposed enactment of the code; conclusion that regulation of ocean rates on foreign as well as American ships should be accomplished by international agreement. |
690 |
| Mar. 2 |
From Mr. Charles S. Haight
Views, as requested by the Assistant Secretary of State, concerning an international agreement to handle the present shipping emergency; recommendation that the United States take the lead through the Department, rather than through any representative of the steamship business, and open negotiations directly with the foreign governments. |
693 |
| Mar. 5 |
To the National Recovery Administrator
Transmittal of Assistant Secretary Sayre’s memorandum of February 26 which was recently approved by Executive Committee on Commercial Policy; advice that the committee questioned the advisability of promulgating a code applicable to foreign ships in view of possible injury to American shipping and commerce. |
699 |
| Mar. 14 |
From the National Recovery Administrator
Suggestion that steps be taken toward preparation of the general code and consideration of treaty questions be deferred until divisional codes are completed. |
699 |
| Mar. 29 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Conversation with the Danish Minister, who submitted a statement (infra) concerning shipping code provisions. |
700 |
| Mar. 29 (40) |
From the Danish Minister
Representations concerning certain provisions of the shipping code, specifically respecting rates on commerce originating in the United States and destined to foreign countries. |
700 |
| Apr. 2 |
From the Secretary of Commerce
Opinion that the United States should not take the initiative in promoting an international shipping conference such as outlined by Mr. Haight, but should participate if proposed by some other nation. |
701 |
| Apr. 5 |
To the Secretary of Commerce
Texts of two telegrams dated March 29 from Mr. Haight indicating evidences that certain governments would welcome an international shipping agreement. |
703 |
| 1934 Apr. 10 (46) |
From the Danish Minister
Reiteration of Danish representations against phraseology of a new draft code referring to foreign vessels. |
704 |
| Apr. 10 |
From the Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State
Understanding that Joint Resolution of March 26 (text printed), to which Danish Minister made objection, is not obligatory except as an indication of policy; recommendation that appropriate treaty provisions be called to the attention of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Secretary of Commerce so that resolution may not be applied in a way to violate treaty obligations. |
704 |
| Apr. 14 |
From the Norwegian Minister
Further representations against certain provisions of the proposed shipping code, specifically those which relate to labor. |
706 |
| Apr. 19 |
From the French Ambassador
Comments and note (text printed) setting forth French objections to the proposed code. |
708 |
| Apr. 19 |
From Mr. Charles S. Haight
Request for an interview with Assistant Secretary Sayre on April 21. |
709 |
| Undated |
Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Special
Assistant to the Secretary of State and Mr. Charles S. Haight, in
Washington, April 20, 1934
Statement by Mr. Haight concerning his discussions with steamship owners in Europe, who indicated concern over the President’s approval of the Joint Resolution of March 26. Opinion that the Resolution will be detrimental if enforced, and belief that the U. S. Government should take the initiative in calling for an international conference. |
711 |
| Apr. 20 |
To the National Recovery Administrator
Transmittal of a copy of the Norwegian note of April 14 and suggestion that the code be amended in order to alleviate such complaints. |
716 |
| May 4 (322) |
To the Minister in Canada
Transmittal of a copy of the proposed general shipping code and a brief filed with the NRA in opposition to the inclusion of the Great Lakes shipping interests in such code on the ground of unfair competition with Canadian steamship lines; instructions to report any information concerning the effect of the proposed code. |
717 |
| May 7 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the Greek Minister
Greek representations against proposed insertion in the shipping code of provisions concerning the fixing of minimum rates for the carriage of cargoes on foreign ships departing from American ports. |
718 |
| May 15 |
From the National Recovery Administrator
Position of the NRA regarding various allegations that the proposed code violates treaty rights and other aspects of foreign shipping; reply to four points raised in French Ambassador’s memorandum of April 19. |
718 |
| 1934 May 23 (396) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain
Transmittal of a copy of the proposed general shipping code and information concerning foreign protests; instructions to keep the Department informed of developments with respect to the possibility that the British Government may issue invitations to an international shipping conference. |
721 |
| May 31 |
Memorandum by the Assistant to the Legal Adviser of a
Conversation With the Second Secretary of the German Embassy
German representations concerning three aspects of the proposed code. |
722 |
| June 22 |
To Mr. Charles S. Haight
Advice that the Attorney General has rendered an opinion that the Resolution of March 26 is not mandatory but was intended as a rule of guidance; further, that the question of the advisability and practicability of accomplishing results through an international conference is being actively pursued. |
722 |
| July 5 |
To the Danish Minister
Advice that President did not approve the proposed shipping code and that no information is available as to any further developments in the matter. |
723 |
| July 18 (836) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office note, July 16, enclosing memorandum on the shipping situation (texts printed); request for U. S. views on the situation in general and on specific questions raised in the memorandum. |
723 |
| Aug. 24 (907) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Information concerning plans for an international shipping conference to be held in London in October, which, although not sponsored by the British Government, has its approval; advice that an invitation has been sent by the British organizers of the conference to the American Steamship Association. |
727 |
| Nov. 14 |
From the Chairman of the American Steamship Owners’
Association
Observation that while the American shipping interests may join in a preliminary meeting for the preparation of an agenda for the proposed international shipping conference, agreement to participate in the full conference would depend on a clear understanding of the future U. S. Government policy with regard to the shipping industry. |
729 |
| Nov. 24 |
From the President of the American Steamship Owners’
Association
Information that an invitation has been received to attend a preliminary meeting in London, January 14, for discussion of agenda. Appreciation of Department’s interest in shipping affairs, and assurance of the Association’s cooperation. (Footnote: Information that Mr. R. J. Baker, President of the Association, will attend the London meeting.) |
732 |
ACCEPTANCE BY THE UNITED STATES OF INVITATION TO JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 15 (167) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Inquiry as to status of the Robinson resolution pertaining to U. S. membership in the International Labor Organization; request for other information for guidance of the American delegation to the International Labor Conference which opened in Geneva, June 4. (Footnote: Information that the resolution was approved June 19.) |
733 |
| June 21 (178) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) For Secretary of Labor from E. F. Andrews (unofficial U. S. observer at the Labor Conference): Report on general situation at the Conference and suggestion that consideration of joining the International Labor Organization be postponed until the delegation returns and presents a fuller report on the question. |
734 |
| June 21 (73) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Instructions to inform Harold Butler, Director of the International Labor Office, that the U. S. Government would welcome an invitation to join the Labor Organization. |
734 |
| June 22 (179) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Butler’s presentation of U. S. Resolution of June 19 to the Conference, together with a statement of his understanding that the U. S. Government would accept an invitation to join the Organization. (Footnote: Extension of invitation through the Consul at Geneva on June 22.) |
735 |
| June 29 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Secretary of State’s opinion that in view of the absence of appropriations for U. S. membership in the Labor Organization and reluctance of Congress to make this expenditure during the fiscal year 1935, acceptance of membership should be postponed until next winter. |
736 |
| July 11 (77) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Instructions to inquire discreetly as to what would be the annual contribution of the United States toward the expenses of the International Labor Organization in the event that the U. S. Government should accept the invitation to join. |
736 |
| July 12 (196) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Explanation of procedure in estimating contributions of various states members of the Labor Organization; advice that the Labor Office views it as impracticable for procedural reasons for the United States to negotiate its contribution before becoming a member. |
737 |
| Aug. 18 (86) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Instructions to deliver U. S. note of acceptance of membership (text printed) to the Director on August 20. |
738 |
| Sept. 8 (225) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Information from Director Butler that there are numerous precedents for the financial obligations of states becoming members of the Organization not being regarded as effective until January 1 of the year following admission. |
739 |
INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Oct. 29 |
From the Director of the International Labor
Organization
Information concerning forthcoming meeting of the Governing Body to which U. S. representatives are invited for negotiation of U. S. contribution to the Organization; suggestion that U. S. contribution should probably be equivalent to that of Great Britain. (Footnote: Information that the Governing Body approved this arrangement at its meeting in Geneva, January 29–February 2, 1935, and that the U. S. contribution during the calendar year 1935, set at $174,630, was appropriated by Congress on March 22, 1935.) |
739 |
| Nov. 2 |
To the Director of the International Labor
Organization
Agreement as to terms and amount of U. S. contribution. |
740 |
| Nov. 8 |
To the Secretary of Labor
Interest of Department of State in maintaining proper channels of communication with the International Labor Organization and in being kept informed of actions of and instructions to U. S. delegates. |
740 |
| Nov. 10 |
From the Secretary of Labor
Agreement with the Secretary’s observations regarding channels of communication; Labor Department’s hope for the State Department’s cooperation in establishing a standing interdepartmental committee to handle International Labor Organization matters. |
741 |
DISINCLINATION OF THE UNITED STATES TO PARTICIPATE IN A DRAFT CONVENTION FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF ILLICIT TRAFFIC IN DANGEROUS DRUGS AND IN PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO PROSECUTE AMERICANS ENGAGED THEREIN
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 13 |
To the Secretary General of the League of Nations
Summary of U. S. views concerning a draft convention for the suppression of the illicit traffic in dangerous drugs; reiteration of U. S. disinclination to participate in the convention. |
743 |
| May 20 (87) |
From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) From Fuller (U. S. representative in advisory capacity to the League of Nations Advisory Committee on Traffic in Opium and Other Dangerous Drugs): Request for résumé of reasons involving constitutional difficulties which the Department had in mind when drafting a reply in 1933 concerning the impracticability of prosecuting Americans in the United States for unauthorized procurement and supply of narcotic drugs outside of the United States. |
745 |
| May 23 (43) |
To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Explanation of Department’s concern over the question of legality which would be involved in compulsion of witnesses, and doubt as to Congressional sanction of such proposal. |
746 |
ENTRY OF ALIEN SEAMEN INTO THE UNITED STATES FOR PURPOSE OF TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER VESSEL FOR SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF CREW
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Dec. 14 |
To the Consul General at Hamburg
Instructions (to be repeated to Berlin) to advise supervisory consular officers in European countries and London of Labor Department’s view that alien seamen traveling as passengers or transients for purpose of transferring at an American port to another vessel for service as members of crew are not admissible for this purpose. |
747 |
| 1934 Jan. 20 |
From the Danish Legation
Representations against the contemplated regulations by which a special class of seamen would be excluded from admission into the United States. |
747 |
| Jan. 24 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Visa
Division
British inquiry concerning the Department of Labor regulations relating to seamen, and explanation that pending a final decision in matter, an arrangement had been agreed upon whereby the Department of State would authorize consular officers to issue visas or transit certificates in certain individual cases. |
748 |
| Jan. 24 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Visa
Division
Norwegian inquiry regarding the regulations, and explanation similar to that made to the British Embassy. |
749 |
| Feb. 2 |
From the Swedish Legation
Representations against the contemplated regulations. |
750 |
| May 24 |
To President Roosevelt
Transmittal of a proposed Executive Order to supersede Executive Order No. 4648 of May 13, 1937, and a portion of No. 5869 of June 30, 1932. (Footnote: Information that the new Executive Order, No. 6722, was signed by the President on May 26.) |
750 |
| June 1 |
To the Consul General at London (tel.) Summary of provisions of Executive Order No. 6722 relaxing ruling on alien seamen for purpose of transferring to foreign vessels in American ports as crew members; instructions to repeat to supervisory consular officers in European countries. |
752 |
REPRESENTATIONS BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS REGARDING CONGRESSIONAL BILLS FOR THE DEPORTATION OF CERTAIN ALIEN SEAMEN
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 13 |
From the Canadian Legation
Reiteration with respect to H. R. 3842 of representations made in 1932 against measures contemplated for the deportation of certain alien seamen. |
753 |
| Mar. 6 |
From the Italian Embassy
Reiteration with respect to H. R. 3842 of previous representations against measures for deportation of certain alien seamen; specific objection to the “full-crew clause” and other features of the bill. |
753 |
DEPORTATION OF ALIEN SEAMEN
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 7 (737) |
From the Netherland Minister
Representations against provisions of H. R. 3842 and S. 868 relating to certain aliens who are racially excluded from U. S. admission and against the “full-crew clause”. |
755 |
| Mar. 9 |
From the Swedish Legation
Representations against H. R. 3842, particularly against the “full-crew clause”. |
756 |
| Mar. 10 |
To the Chairman of the Senate Committee on
Immigration
Summary of Department’s objections to H. R. 3842 in the light of U. S. relations with foreign countries. |
757 |
| Mar. 12 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affiairs of a Conversation With the British Ambassador
Renewal of British protest against H. R. 3842. |
761 |
| Mar. 15 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs of a Conversation With the Swedish Minister
Reiteration of Swedish representations against H. R. 3842; explanation of the Department’s view concerning the bill. |
761 |
| May 2 |
From the French Ambassador
Renewal of former representations against measures for deportation of alien seamen. |
762 |
| May 11 (1812) |
From the Belgiam Ambassador
Belgian objections to H. R. 3842. |
762 |
| June 4 |
To the Secretary of Labor
Approval of a proposed substitute bill previously submitted to the Department for comment, but opinion that existing legislation provides practical and adequate safeguards to protect the United States against the illegal entry of mala fide seamen. |
763 |
| June 16 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Discussion with the British Ambassador concerning S. 868; Department’s view that this bill will not pass the Senate since a similar bill, H. R. 3842, has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. Subsequent confirmation of bill’s failure to pass the Senate. |
764 |
PROPOSAL BY THE UNITED STATES THAT CERTAIN OTHER GOVERNMENTS AGREE TO RELAX CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Nov. 22 |
To the Chairman of the Federal Radio Commission
Request for views as to the desirability of U. S. compliance with suggestion by the American Radio Relay League that the United States enter into agreements with certain other Governments under article 8 of the Madrid Regulations partially to relax restriction upon the handling by amateur radio stations of messages for third parties. (Footnote: The same letter to the Secretaries of War, Navy, Treasury, and Commerce, and receipt of favorable responses.) |
765 |
| Dec. 2 |
From the Chairman of the Federal Radio Commission
Approval of the suggestion contained in Department’s communication of November 22. |
765 |
PROPOSED RADIO AGREEMENTS
Argentina
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 19 (42) |
To the Ambassador in Argentina
Instructions to suggest to the Argentine Government an exchange of notes proposing an agreement to relax the restriction on amateur radio stations concerning the transmission of messages on behalf of third parties. (Footnote: Information with regard to similar instructions to missions in various other countries.) |
766 |
| Aug. 7 |
From the Argentine Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the
American Embassy in Argentina
Memorandum by the Argentine General Administration of Post and Telegraph, July 17 (text printed), outlining objections to the U. S. proposal and recommending that no modification be made of the Madrid Regulations. |
768 |
Canada
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 23 (219) |
From the American Minister in Canada to the Canadian
Secretary of State for External Affairs
Proposal that the arrangement governing radio communications between private experimental stations in Canada and the United States, effected by exchange of notes in 1928 and 1929, continue in effect upon ratification by both Governments of the Madrid Convention of 1932 and Annexed Regulations. |
771 |
| May 2 (40) |
From the Canadian Secretary of State for External
Affairs to the American Minister in Canada
Acceptance of the understanding set forth in U. S. note No. 219, April 23, to become effective upon date of U. S. receipt of Canadian note. |
772 |
| May 4 (226) |
From the American Minister in Canada to the Canadian
Secretary of State for External Affairs
Acknowledgment of receipt of Canadian acceptance and understanding of effective date. |
773 |
Chile
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 2 (127) |
From the American Ambassador in Chile to the Chilean
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Understanding between United States and Chile for liberalizing the restrictions on amateur radio stations, to become effective on date of receipt of Chilean acceptance. |
773 |
| Aug. 17 (04976) |
From the Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Ambassador in Chile
Confirmation of understanding between Chilean and U. S. Governments. |
774 |
China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 23 (54) |
From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that in view of the unfavorable attitude of the Ministry of Communications toward the U. S. proposal concerning amateur radio activities, it would be inadvisable to pursue the matter further at the present time. |
775 |
Cuba
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Oct. 22 (1691) |
From the Cuban Under Secretary of State to the
American Ambassador in Cuba
Advice that a new radio law is now under study by a commission of the Department of Communications and that the American Embassy will be notified as to the conclusions reached. |
776 |
Great Britain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 16 (709) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office note, May 14 (text printed), rejecting U. S. proposal and advising that information will be communicated to the Embassy regarding the attitude of Australia, New Zealand, and India. (Footnote: Indication of negative attitude by India, New Zealand, and Australia.) |
776 |
Irish Free State
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 15 (84) |
From the Chargé in the Irish Free State
Note from the Irish Free State Government indicating its desire to defer a final decision on the U. S. proposal. |
778 |
Mexico
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 14 [2098] |
From the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Chargé in Mexico
Approval of U. S. proposal; information, however, that acceptance is precluded under terms of laws in effect and that consideration is being given to modification of the laws with a view to rendering possible adoption of the proposal. |
778 |
Peru
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 16 (562) |
From the American Ambassador in Peru to the Peruvian
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Proposal for an exchange of notes concerning relaxation of restrictions on amateur radio stations. |
779 |
| May 23 (50) |
From the Peruvian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Ambassador in Peru
Acceptance of U. S. proposal. |
781 |
Portugal
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Nov. 9 (784) |
From the Minister in Portugal
Foreign Office note, November 7 (text printed), setting forth reasons for nonacceptance of the U. S. proposal. |
781 |
Spain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 June 6 (90) |
From the Spanish Ministry of State to the American
Embassy in Spain
Decision of the Spanish Government to make no exception to the restrictions on amateur radio stations as provided for in the Madrid Regulations. |
782 |
Union of South Africa
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 20 (671) |
From the Minister in South Africa
South African Government’s reluctance to depart from the principle set forth in the Madrid Regulations; opinion that in view of this unfavorable attitude no further representations should be made in the matter. |
783 |
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 19 |
From the Chief of the Division of Eastern European
Affairs to the Assistant Secretary of State
Opinion that it would be unwise to transmit to the Soviet Union the proposal under consideration by the Department in view of the endeavors being made by the Communist International leaders to utilize the radio amateur movement for agitation and propaganda purposes. (Footnote: Information that the proposal was not sent.) |
784 |
DECISION OF THE UNITED STATES NOT TO SIGN A PRELIMINARY DRAFT INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT FOR THE USE OF BROADCASTING IN THE CAUSE OF PEACE
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 9 (C. L. 17. 1934.XII) |
From the Secretary General of the League of
Nations
Transmittal of a preliminary draft International Agreement for the Use of Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace, and request for U. S. observations by August 1. |
785 |
| Mar. 8 (839 Pol.) |
From the Consul at Geneva
Observations on the proposed agreement for the Department’s consideration in preparing a reply to the Secretary General. |
785 |
| Mar. 24 |
To the Chairman of the Federal Radio Commission
Transmittal of a copy of the draft International Agreement and request for observations for the use of the Department in making a reply to the Secretary General. |
792 |
| Mar. 28 |
From the Chairman of the Federal Radio Commission
Enumeration of reasons why it would appear that the proposed agreement could not be applied to the U. S. broadcast system, and recommendation, therefore, that the United States not become a party to the agreement. |
792 |
| Apr. 12 |
To the Secretary General of the League of Nations
Information that the U. S. Government would not be prepared to subscribe to the proposed agreement in view of the fact that, under the present laws, it does not control the content of or censor radio programs broadcast in the United States. |
793 |
SUPPLEMENTARY EXTRADITION TREATIES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CERTAIN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 10 (96) |
To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to inquire whether the French Government will conclude a supplemental extradition treaty with the United States to include a certain additional list of extraditable crimes; also to advise the American diplomatic missions in certain enumerated European countries to make similar inquiries. (Note: List of countries with which supplementary extradition treaties were signed, with dates of signature and citations to texts.) |
794 |
CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER POWERS FOR THE PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, SIGNED AT LONDON, JUNE 2, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Citation to text of convention and to statement concerning the convention.) | 796 |
THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS
GREAT BRITAIN
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and the United Kingdom
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Sept. 14 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Inquiry of the British Ambassador with respect to a possible trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States; unofficial reply that although the Department is not yet prepared to offer any definite suggestions, several possibilities are being explored, one of which is the suggestion of a plurilateral convention providing for the reduction of certain duties. |
797 |
| [Dec. 18] |
Memorandum by Mr. Alvin H. Hanson of the Tariff
Section
Argument in support of a general solution for settlement of currency stabilization and war debt problems, which deter the United Kingdom from seeking a trade agreement with the United States at the present time. |
798 |
Refusal by the British Government To Arbitrate the Claim of American Shareholders of the Cie Armes Automatiques Lewis
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Mar. 27 (454) |
To the Chargé in Great Britain
Instructions to address a note to the Foreign Office (text printed) setting forth a proposal for the settlement of the claims of the American stockholders of the Cie Armes Automatiques Lewis against Great Britain and an alternative suggestion that the matter be submitted to arbitration; further instructions to press orally for British acceptance of the proposal outlined. |
802 |
| Apr. 7 (78) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information that the note was presented to the Foreign Office, April 6; Foreign Office oral reply that recent Belgian representations on the subject had been refused and that a reply to the U. S. note would be made in the near future. |
805 |
| July 8 (186) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to press for Foreign Office acceptance of the U. S. proposal without further delay. |
806 |
| Aug. 3 (233) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Advice that Foreign Office reply, dated August 2, has been received and sets forth the view that “the British Government cannot admit any locus standi of the United States Government in the matter”. |
806 |
| Aug. 4 (137) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office note of August 2, and copy of undated memorandum to the Belgian Government (texts printed) setting forth in detail British reasons for considering the claims of the Cie Armes Automatiques Lewis against the British Government as definitely and finally settled. |
807 |
| Sept. 6 (233) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to transmit to the Department copies of the laws and rules of Court cited in Foreign Office reply of August 2 as possible bases for appeals which the Lewis Company allegedly failed to use of its own volition. |
822 |
| 1933 Sept. 23 (214) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Quotation from Foreign Office note giving British authority for laws cited in communication of August 2. |
822 |
| 1934 Feb. 20 (255) |
To the Chargé in Great Britain
Instructions to make oral representations to the Foreign Minister, to deliver a note expressing U. S. views as to justiciable nature of the Lewis case, and to make formal request either that procedure suggested in Embassy’s note of April 6 be accepted or case referred to arbitration. |
823 |
| Mar. 6 (548) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Information that oral and written representations were made on March 5 in accordance with instruction No. 255, February 20. |
825 |
| Apr. 21 (186) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Discussion with the Foreign Minister during which Department’s views as set forth in instruction No. 255, February 20, were reiterated; Foreign Minister’s reply that a note, in process of completion, will be transmitted but that the British position is unaltered. |
825 |
| May 29 (218) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to take up the Lewis case again with the Foreign Minister, unless the promised reply has been received. |
826 |
| July 7 (812) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Foreign Office note, July 6 (text printed), stating British Government’s refusal to submit the Lewis case to arbitration. |
826 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Great Britain for the Reciprocal Recognition of Airworthiness for Imported Aircraft, Effected by Exchange of Notes, September 11 and 17, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Citation to text of arrangement.) | 827 |
Permission Obtained for Aeroplanes of the California-Arabian Standard Oil Company To Make Emergency Flights to Bahrein
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Dec. 29 (321) |
To the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to secure necessary authorizations from appropriate authorities for flights by the California-Arabian Standard Oil Company over Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, and Kuwait in connection with a survey of its oil concession in eastern Arabia. |
828 |
| 1934 Feb. 17 (65) |
From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Advice that majority of authorizations have been received but that all flights by civil aircraft are prohibited in Kuwait and Bahrein except in cases where aviation companies have permission to include these places on regular flying services. |
828 |
| 1934 Feb. 20 (70) |
From The Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Receipt of Saudi Arabian authorization for flights over that territory. |
829 |
| Feb. 28 (72) |
To The Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to approach the Foreign Office again in an endeavor to obtain permission for certain emergency landings at Bahrein. |
829 |
| Mar. 20 (122) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Receipt of authorization for certain emergency landings at Bahrein as specified in Department’s telegram No. 72, February 28. |
830 |
AUSTRALIA
Discussions Between the United States and Australia With Respect to Trade Problems and the Admission of Businessmen
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1932 Oct. 18 |
To the British Chargé
Draft commercial convention (text printed) for consideration of the Commonwealth Government embodying provisions for reciprocal rights of entry for purposes of trade; advice that the Department will be glad to arrange for discussions at the Embassy’s convenience. |
831 |
| 1933 Oct. 4 (351) |
From the British Ambassador
Observations and submission of a revised draft convention concerning entry of Australian businessmen into the United States; suggestion that article III of the U. S. draft, relating to customs and freight charges, should form the subject of separate negotiations. |
833 |
| 1934 Jan. 30 |
To the British Ambassador
U. S. willingness to accede to the suggestion that the two questions be made the subject of separate negotiations and readiness to proceed to the conclusion of the treaty respecting entry and residence of business aliens; advice as to instructions being sent to the American Consul General at Sydney (infra). |
834 |
| 1934 Jan. 30 |
To the Consul General at Sydney
Instructions for conclusion of an agreement by exchange of notes (draft printed) securing for American products privileges given to Canadian products under article IV of the Canadian-Australian agreement; desire that these negotiations be conducted simultaneously with those regarding entry of Australian businessmen. |
835 |
| Mar. 8 |
From the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Information that, in a conversation with the Minister of Customs, the latter mentioned Australian desire to negotiate a commercial treaty with the United States, and that, therefore, the matter pertaining to the exchange of notes has been deferred pending Department’s further instructions. |
838 |
| 1934 Mar. 20 |
To the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) U. S. inability to open conversations regarding commercial treaties pending the enactment of the tariff bargaining bill now before Congress; instructions to proceed at the appropriate opportunity in accordance with instructions of January 30. |
838 |
| May 1 |
From the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Inconclusive preliminary discussion concerning exchange of notes, and Australian request for written proposal. |
839 |
| May 5 |
To the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Instructions for written proposal. |
839 |
| May 10 |
From the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Expression of doubt as to factual basis for statement in Department’s instruction of May 5, concerning effect of Australian exception in favor of Canada. |
840 |
| May 15 |
To the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Clarification of sentence in question, which apparently was garbled in transmission. |
840 |
| May 16 |
From the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Advice that the phrasing of the sentence was correctly received but that the question as to its factual accuracy remains open to doubt. |
840 |
| May 16 |
To the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Clarification of Department’s intention so far as content of the sentence is concerned. |
841 |
| June 5 |
From the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Summary of a communication from the Prime Minister regarding a list of certain commodities upon which Australia would desire U. S. concessions in trade agreement negotiations; advice that written proposal in accordance with Department’s instruction of May 5 has been withheld. |
841 |
| June 13 |
To the Consul General at Sydney (tel.) Information of Department’s interview with Mr. Bruce (Australian Minister without Portfolio) along the same lines as summary transmitted in Consul’s despatch of June 5. |
842 |
| Aug. 10 |
From the Chairman of the United States Tariff
Commission
Observations concerning the Australian proposals and opinion that it would be inadvisable to consider them in view of the adverse effect that would be produced upon the U. S. agricultural program. |
843 |
CANADA
Preliminary Discussions Respecting A Trade Agreement Between the United States and Canada
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 8 |
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
Canadian Minister’s inquiry as to the progress of U. S. commercial and economic plans, and his suggestion that, failing receipt by the Administration of Congressional authority to proceed with broader plans, it might be feasible to bring about certain trade readjustments with Canada of a limited scope. |
845 |
| Aug. 7 |
Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs
Conversation with the Canadian Minister concerning the obstacles which preclude immediate negotiations for a trade agreement. |
845 |
| Aug. 7 |
Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs
Conversation with the Canadian Minister regarding the possibility of a certain reciprocal arrangement which might stimulate support for a provisional trade agreement. |
847 |
| Aug. 9 |
Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs
Interview with the Canadian Minister, who gave his opinion that U. S. proposal (supra) was too small a matter to have any effect on stimulating support for a provisional trade agreement. |
848 |
| Oct. 4 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Conversation with the Canadian Minister, who reiterated his readiness to discuss negotiations for a trade agreement, but indicated that he would not press the matter further at this time. |
849 |
| Nov. 14 (157) |
From the Canadian Minister
Analysis of recent trends in the balance of international payments between the United States and Canada which, in the Canadian view, necessitates the increase in volume of U. S.-Canadian trade; submission of an outline for the negotiation of a trade agreement of limited scope. |
849 |
| Nov. 14 |
From the Chairman of the Committee on Trade
Agreements
Information concerning procedure approved by the Trade Agreements Committee for the negotiation of an agreement with Canada. |
858 |
| Nov. 21 (110) |
From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Comments on the Canadian note of November 14, and advice that a detailed analysis of the note is being forwarded; suggestion that the Department await its receipt before taking any action. |
858 |
| Nov. 22 (912) |
From the Minister in Canada
Analysis (text printed) of the Canadian note of November 14, and recommendation that a written reply be requested of the Canadian Government concerning certain enumerated points before the United States agrees to enter upon negotiations such as set forth in the Canadian note. |
860 |
| 1934 Dec. 1 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the Canadian Minister, who was told of the usual procedure followed by the U. S. Government in initiating trade conversations with other countries; suggestion that the Minister alter his note to conform with this procedure and his reply that he would have to confer with the Prime Minister in Ottawa before making a commitment in this respect. |
870 |
| Dec. 20 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the Canadian Minister, who conveyed the Prime Minister’s opinion that he could not alter the Canadian note of November 14; U. S. decision to proceed with reply to the note in question. |
872 |
| Dec. 27 |
To the Canadian Minister
Reply to Canadian note of November 14 setting forth U. S. position that although the United States is willing to enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with Canada, no particular commitments can be made prior to a thorough study of the existing economic conditions. |
873 |
Continued Negotiations With the Canadian Government Regarding Damages to Property in the State of Washington by Fumes From the Smelter at Trail, B. C.
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 27 (194) |
To the Minister in Canada
Comments on and rejection of the Canadian draft convention, transmitted December 26, 1933, for settlement of the damages in the Trail Smelter case. Instructions to submit to the Department of External Affairs another proposal consisting of three alternative conventions (substance printed). (Footnote: Information that instructions were carried out in Legation’s note No. 172, January 30.) |
874 |
| Jan. 29 |
To the Minister in Canada
Instructions to impress upon the Canadian Government the seriousness which the U. S. Congress will attach to the Trail Smelter case in view of the many delays in reaching settlement and the accruing damage to the people in the affected area. |
897 |
| Feb. 17 (412) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian note, February 17 (text printed), commenting on the questions raised with respect to the Canadian draft proposal, and promise of early consideration of Department’s proposed three alternatives. |
897 |
| Feb. 24 (424) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian note, February 22 (text printed), setting forth Canadian acceptance in principle of third U. S. suggestion with certain modifications. |
910 |
| 1934 Feb. 26 |
Memorandum by Mr. Jacob A. Metzger of the Office of
the Legal Adviser
Views concerning certain Canadian suggestions in connection with the third U. S. proposal. |
914 |
| Mar. 14 (259) |
To the Minister in Canada
Comments on Canadian views as transmitted in despatch No. 424 of February 24; reiteration of U. S. willingness to submit any question relevant to the controversy to a neutral jurist or tribunal for final determination. |
915 |
| Apr. 11 (517) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian note, April 10 (text printed), stating that a new aspect of the problem has arisen which may necessitate some further consideration before the terms of the draft convention can be settled. |
923 |
| Apr. 14 (300) |
To the Minister in Canada
Tentative draft convention (text printed) drawn up when Mr. J. E. Read of the Canadian Department for External Affairs was in Washington from March 10 to 14, with some suggested changes. Department’s hope that agreement may be reached in time to submit the proposal to the U. S. Senate before adjournment of Congress, which will be within a month. |
925 |
| Apr. 17 (533) |
From the Chargé in Canada
Advice that Department’s observations as set forth in despatch No. 259 of March 14 have been transmitted to the Canadian Government. |
931 |
| Apr. 18 (303) |
To the Minister in Canada
Opinion that the matter referred to in Canadian note of April 10 does not constitute an aspect of the Trail Smelter case. |
931 |
| Apr. 19 (536) |
From the Chargé in Canada
Memorandum (text printed) of a conversation with the Prime Minister, who said that the Trail Smelter people had suggested Canadian Government’s withdrawal of its acceptance of the figure of $350,000 as payment for damages. |
934 |
| Apr. 20 (38) |
From the Chargé in Canada (tel.) Further comments regarding conversation with the Prime Minister; advice that contents of instructions Nos. 300 and 303 of April 14 and 18 have been embodied in one note to be delivered April 23, but question as to whether Department would consider withholding this note in view of possible damage to present negotiations. |
935 |
| Apr. 21 (40) |
To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Instructions to deliver the note under reference. |
936 |
| May 31 |
From Miss Anna A. O’Neill of the Office of the Legal
Adviser to the Legal Adviser
Memorandum, dictated by telephone from Ottawa by Mr. Metzger of the Office of the Legal Adviser, requesting instructions as to whether he should continue negotiations in view of certain specific differences of opinion which have arisen with respect to omission of article I of the draft. |
936 |
| 1934 May 31 (61) |
To the Minister in Canada (tel.) For Metzger: Instructions to use own discretion in the matter of continuing negotiations. |
937 |
| June 2 (63) |
To the Minister in Canada (tel.) For Metzger: Communication from J. T. Raftis (representing a number of claimants in Washington State) advising of strong sentiment against acceptance of $350,000 without assurance of abatement of the nuisance; instructions to refuse acceptance of article I as originally drafted unless agreement can be reached on abatement of nuisance. |
938 |
| June 7 |
Memorandum by Mr. Jacob A. Metzger of the Office of
the Legal Adviser Concerning Discussions at Ottawa, May 29 to June
3
Record of negotiations at Ottawa and of favorable indications that an agreement may be reached notwithstanding present differences regarding article I. |
938 |
| July 26 |
Memorandum by Mr. Jacob A. Metzger of the Office of
the Legal Adviser to the Legal Adviser
Objections to a revised Canadian proposal constituting a substantial departure from previous drafts. Arrangements to resume discussions with Mr. Read of the Department of External Affairs in October. |
944 |
| Sept. 25 |
Memorandum by Mr. Jacob A. Metzger of the Office of
the Legal Adviser
Report of discussions with Canadian and company officials at Spokane, September 17–19, during which U. S. objections to the latest Canadian proposal were jointly analyzed; conversation with Mr. Raftis, September 20, who recommended U. S. demand for immediate suppression of the nuisance. (Footnote: Notation by the Legal Adviser recommending that a firm position be taken through higher U. S. officials with higher Canadian officials.) |
946 |
| Oct. 25 |
From President Roosevelt to the Prime Minister of
Canada
Request for frank discussion of the Trail Smelter case with Under Secretary Phillips, who will proceed to Ottawa to present the President’s views. |
954 |
| Oct. 31 |
To President Roosevelt
Under Secretary’s report of his recent discussions in Ottawa and subsequent information indicating that the Prime Minister has taken a firm position with the Company in order to renew discussions of the draft convention along lines more favorable to the U. S. Government. |
955 |
| Undated |
Some Notes Concerning the Interview of the Under
Secretary of State With the Canadian Prime Minister Concerning the
Trail Smelter Case
Conclusion that the Trail Smelter case must be reopened and settled by a tribunal. |
956 |
| 1934 Nov. 17 |
From the Canadian Prime Minister
Résumé of the difficulties confronting the Canadian Government concerning the Trail Smelter case but willingness to explore possibilities of settling the issue by international adjudication along the lines of U. S. third alternative suggestion. |
958 |
| Nov. 30 |
To the Minister in Canada
Transmittal of U. S. reply (infra) to the Prime Minister’s letter of November 17; instructions to inquire as to when Canadian representatives may be expected in Washington with a draft which will serve as a basis for discussion of a final settlement of the case. |
962 |
| Nov. 30 |
To the Canadian Prime Minister
Acknowledgment of the Prime Minister’s letter of November 17 and reiteration of President Roosevelt’s hope that an agreement may be reached in the matter before the opening of Congress. |
962 |
| Dec. 3 |
To President Roosevelt
Transmittal of Prime Minister’s letter of November 17, together with copy of reply. |
963 |
| Dec. 4 |
From the Minister in Canada
Presentation of U. S. reply to the Prime Minister and discussion concerning selection of Canadian representatives to Washington; Prime Minister’s tentative agreement to send Mr. Read and possibly Dr. Skelton (Under Secretary of State for External Affairs) about December 10. |
963 |
| Dec. 6 |
From President Roosevelt
Approval of Department’s letter to the Prime Minister; alternative suggestion for action in the event that latest efforts fail to produce results. |
965 |
| Dec. 13 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Inconclusive but hopeful discussions in Washington between Canadian representatives and Department officials. |
965 |
| Dec. 31 |
From the Canadian Secretary of State for External
Affairs to the American Minister in Canada
Presentation of the draft which was recently discussed in Washington and inquiry as to whether the U. S. Government will accept it with two minor revisions. (Footnote: Information that the Minister in Canada was authorized, March 20, 1935, to sign a convention conforming to the Canadian draft, which was practically identical with the treaty signed at Ottawa, April 15, 1935.) |
966 |
Project for Improvement of the St. Lawrence Waterway by Joint Action of the United States and Canada
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 10 |
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Current
Information
Résumé of President Roosevelt’s views, given at a press conference, in connection with the unperfected Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Deep Waterway treaty, signed July 18, 1932. |
967 |
| Mar. 14 |
Extract From President Roosevelt’s Press
Conference
Background information from the President concerning the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Waterway project; his opinion that the project will go through and that it should be done by joint action with Canada in order to safeguard U. S. interests. |
968 |
| Mar. 21 |
From President Roosevelt
Memorandum (text printed) outlining ways to combat opposition of power and rail interests to reopening of the St. Lawrence treaty question; request that these suggestions be discussed with the Chairman of the New York State Authority, Frank Walsh. |
971 |
| Mar. 23 |
From the Assistant Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs to the Secretary of State
Analysis of vote in the Senate on March 14, which defeated the treaty; opinion that the treaty in its present form has little chance of obtaining a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Two suggestions, one for revision of the treaty, the other for drafting of a new treaty. |
971 |
| July 11 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with the Canadian Minister relative to possible amendment or rewriting of the treaty to be presented in the Senate on the reconvening of Congress; Minister’s personal view that the present is not an opportune time to renew these discussions. |
973 |
| July 17 |
From the Minister in Canada
Analysis of Canadian political difficulties that would probably preclude discussion of treaty revision at present; opinion, however, that confidential exploratory conversations might be held with the Canadian Minister. |
974 |
| Sept. 5 |
From President Roosevelt
Suggestion that Mr. Walsh be consulted in connection with further plans for the St. Lawrence treaty with the idea of his direct participation in the matter. |
977 |
| Oct. 10 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State
Conversation with Mr. Walsh and Mr. R. G. Sucher (Washington counsel, Power Authority of the State of New York) concerning status of Canadian position with respect to the treaty and Department’s efforts to secure a revision before the reconvening of Congress. |
977 |
| Nov. 19 (551) |
To the Minister in Canada
Memorandum of a press conference at the White House, November 9 (excerpt printed), pertaining to a discussion of the St. Lawrence treaty, with particular reference to article 8 governing diversion of water. |
978 |
| 1934 Dec. 14 |
To President Roosevelt
Résumé of recent developments in Canadian position; suggestion that the President confer with Department officials within the next week respecting proposals to be discussed with the Canadian Minister. |
979 |
| Dec. 29 |
From President Roosevelt
Inquiry as to the status of the proposed treaty with Canada in regard to the use of additional water at Niagara Falls. |
981 |
| Dec. 31 |
To President Roosevelt
Résumé of opinions expressed recently by the Canadian Minister; willingness of the Department to prepare a brief message for the President asking for a reconsideration of the treaty now before the Senate. |
981 |
| 1935 Jan. 2 |
From the Assistant Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs to the Secretary of State
Review of the situation concerning the proposed treaty with Canada respecting Niagara Falls, signed on January 2, 1929, and of recent favorable conversations with the War Department with respect to a reopening of the question with the Canadian Government; advice that a letter to the President is in preparation requesting his approval to proceed with Canadian discussions. |
982 |
Representations Regarding Dredging Operations in the St. Clair River
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 9 |
From the Secretary of War
Résumé of negotiations with the Canadian Government concerning permission for dredging operations in the St. Clair River by the War Department; reference to a recent Canadian note setting forth three additional conditions with respect to the project, and opinion that the third condition is inadmissible. |
983 |
| Mar. 13 (257) |
To the Minister in Canada
Transmittal of a copy of War Department note (supra) with instructions to communicate the contents to the Canadian authorities. |
984 |
| Apr. 11 (518) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian note, April 10 (text printed), approving, under certain conditions, previously proposed changes in dredging the down-bound channels of the Detroit River. |
985 |
| Apr. 21 (543) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian Government’s note, April 20 (text printed) explaining its reasons for including the third condition, and expressing hope that the U. S. Government will reconsider its objection. |
987 |
| 1934 Apr. 21 (544) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian note, April 20 (text printed), setting forth certain specifications in connection with the dredging of certain shoal areas in the St. Clair River. |
990 |
| June 4 (362) |
To the Minister in Canada
Information that the Secretary of War still regards the third Canadian condition as inadmissible but has no objection to acceding to the present interim suggestion concerning removal of dredged material from certain areas in the St. Clair River. |
992 |
| June 27 (396) |
To the Minister in Canada
Information that the War Department sees no objection and will adhere to the Canadian specifications as transmitted in Legation’s despatch No. 544, April 21. |
992 |
| Oct. 6 (829) |
From the Minister in Canada
Canadian note, October 3 (text printed), concurring in a War Department proposal concerning dredging operations in the channel of the lower Detroit River. |
993 |
IRISH FREE STATE
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and the Irish Free State
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 6 (79) |
From The Chargé in the Irish Free State
Information from de Valera, President of the Executive Council, of the Irish Free State’s desire to conclude a trade agreement with the United States. |
995 |
| Sept. 10 |
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State to the
Assistant Secretary of State
Conversation with the Irish Free State Minister who, upon inquiry regarding trade agreement discussions, was told that negotiations with his country could not begin for some time in view of the Department’s full agenda pertaining to negotiations with other countries. |
996 |
| Oct. 15 |
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State
Conversation with a member of the American Committee in Geneva who related recent information of de Valera’s desire for a trade agreement with the United States and enumerated certain commodities in which the Irish Free State is interested. |
996 |
Elimination in the Irish Free State of Payment of Road Motor Tax by American Consular Officers on Basis of Reciprocity
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 20 (278) |
To the Chargé in the Irish Free State
Instructions to endeavor to obtain an exemption for American consular officers from the road motor tax in the Irish Free State since no similar Federal tax is imposed upon consular officers of the Irish Free State in the United States. |
997 |
| Apr. 17 (10) |
From the Chargé in the Irish Free State
Refusal of Department of External Affairs to exempt consular officers from payment of the road tax, but advice that question of diplomatic and consular immunity is under consideration with a view to making adjustments on basis of reciprocity; suggestion for circumvention of payment of tax. |
998 |
| May 14 (293) |
To the Chargé in the Irish Free State
Advice that the suggestion mentioned by the Chargé in despatch No. 10 of April 17 is not considered feasible. |
999 |
| Sept. 26 (110) |
From the Chargé in the Irish Free State
Information that the Department of External Affairs has agreed that American consular officers in the city and county of Dublin may be exempt from payment of the road motor tax as of January 1, 1935, inasmuch as New York State legislative measures now grant foreign consular officers free registration of motor vehicles. |
1000 |
| Oct. 5 (118) |
From The Chargé in the Irish Free State
Inquiry as to whether any one of the States of Massachusetts, Illinois, or California grants to foreign consular officers within their borders any exemption from motor vehicle taxes, so that Legation would be in a position to press for exemption of American officers stationed in Cork from the Irish Free State motor road tax. |
1001 |
| 1935 Jan. 9 (172) |
From The Chargé in the Irish Free State
Information that on the basis of data furnished by the Department the Government of the Irish Free State has also accorded exemption from the motor road tax, as of January 1, 1935, to American consular officers stationed in the city and county of Cork. |
1002 |
Arrangement Between the United States and the Irish Free State for Relief From Double Income Tax on Shipping Profits, Effected by Exchange of Notes, Signed August 24, 1933, and January 9, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Citation to text of arrangement.) | 1002 |
NEW ZEALAND
Representations Regarding Discrimination Against American Commerce in the New Zealand Mandate of Western Samoa
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 3 (506) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain
Instructions to address a note (substance printed) to the Foreign Office advising that certain provisions of the U. S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920, to which the New Zealand Government has repeatedly objected, were amended on June 14, 1934; that as a consequence, the U. S. Government hopes for a change in the New Zealand position with respect to violation of article III of the convention of December 2, 1899, as evidenced by discrimination against American commerce in the New Zealand Mandate of Western Samoa. |
1003 |
| Aug. 16 (895) |
From the Ambassador in Great Britain
Information that a note was delivered to the Foreign Office, August 15, and that the U. S. position was supported by oral representation. |
1005 |
| Sept. 13 (15) |
From the Vice Consul at Wellington
Report on the present situation with respect to American commerce in Western Samoa; opinion as to possibility of the admission of American goods at parity with British goods. |
1006 |
| Oct. 17 (584) |
To the Ambassador in Great Britain
Transmittal of a copy of the Vice Consul’s report (supra), and instructions to press for a prompt and satisfactory reply to the note delivered at the Foreign Office on August 15. |
1008 |
| Oct. 18 |
To the Consul General at Wellington
Presentation of two additional questions concerning discrimination against American commerce in Western Samoa. |
1009 |
| Dec. 4 (40) |
From the Consul General at Wellington
Clarification of questions presented supra. |
1009 |
| 1935 Jan. 7 (1151) |
From The Chargé in Great Britain
Information that the matter has been brought to the attention of appropriate officials on several occasions and that the Foreign Office has given assurance of its efforts to expedite a satisfactory solution, but that no reply has been received in London from the New Zealand Government. (Footnote: Information that no further correspondence on the matter took place until 1936.) |
1010 |
Representations by the British Government on Behalf of New Zealand With Respect to Sovereignty Over the Ross Dependency in Connection With Admiral Byrd’s Expedition to the Antarctic
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 29 (33) |
From the British Ambassador
Representations against certain reported activities carried on by the Byrd Expedition in the Ross Dependency which are regarded as infringing the British sovereignty and New Zealand administrative rights in the Dependency, as well as the laws there in force. |
1010 |
| Feb. 24 |
To the British Ambassador
Acknowledgment of Ambassador’s note No. 33 of January 29; Department’s reluctance to enter into a discussion of the questions raised, but reservation of all rights which the United States or its citizens may have with respect to the matter. |
1012 |
| Nov. 14 |
To the British Ambassador
Explanation in reply to an inquiry by the British Ambassador concerning postal activities in connection with the Byrd Expedition; advice of Department’s position concerning British claim of sovereignty in the region. |
1012 |
| Dec. 27 (402) |
From the British Ambassador
Explanation concerning the exercise of British sovereignty over the Ross Dependency; withdrawal of objections to postal activities of the Byrd Expedition in view of understanding as to the nature of such activities. |
1013 |
| 1935 Feb. 7 |
To the British Ambassador
Acknowledgment of British note No. 402 of December 27, 1934, and reiteration of reservation of all rights which the U. S. Government or its citizens may have with respect to the matter. |
1014 |