724.3415/3743: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
Geneva, May 28, 1934—2
p.m.
[Received May 28—12:55 p.m.]
[Received May 28—12:55 p.m.]
99. Arms embargo proposal. Consulate’s 98, May 28, noon, paragraphs 3 and 5.
- 1.
- Italy has replied renewing her reservations of 1933 (Consulate’s 90, May 22, 4 p.m.) and naming in addition Japan and Soviet Russia.
- 2.
- Secretariat officials are discouraged by this Italian action for reasons explained in previous telegrams expressing themselves as uncertain of Russia’s reply and inclining strongly to the belief that Japan’s would be unfavorable.
- 3.
- Under present conditions action would normally follow as indicated in paragraph 4 of my telegram first referred to above. Secretariat is, however, for the moment suspending this action and withholding announcement of Italy’s reply pending conversations with high Italian officials now in Geneva with the hope of inducing Italy to modify her reservations particularly that respecting Japan. Secretariat officials confidentially but frankly assert that they believe Italian policy is to wreck if possible the embargo plan (my 85, May 19, midnight).
Gilbert