500.A15A5/729: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 19—11:45 a.m.]
146. For the President and Secretary. In view of the fact that the new naval treaty does not provide for quantitative limitation and hence does not establish parity as between the British Empire and the United States, we all believe it would be wise to guard against any possible embarrassment or misunderstanding with regard to this in the future and furthermore that it would have a good effect to reiterate a principle which has now become embodied in the consciousness of the peoples of the two nations.
I have told the British that personally I was inclined to think it might be wise to reiterate our adherence to this principle and that if they thought it advisable I would be glad to ascertain the views of our Government. The British have now informed me that they are quite sympathetic with the idea and suggest that instead of making a public declaration which at this time might possibly have an adverse effect on the Japanese the best way to deal with it would be for the two to have a final meeting together of which minutes would be kept and which could be used at any time that might be necessary.
It has occurred to me that when the treaty comes up for ratification that this question might possibly be raised in the Senate and that it would be well to be prepared for it in which case the minutes of the proposed meeting could be used if necessary. My idea is to make of record a declaration to be agreed upon beforehand, something along the following lines:
Notwithstanding the fact that some of the principal naval powers have not as yet agreed to become parties to the new naval treaty which has been executed now to replace the Washington and London Treaties which expire on December 31, 1936, and which treaty does not provide for a continuance of quantitative limitation as provided in the two former treaties, it is the intention of the Governments of Great Britain and the United States of America to avoid at least as between ourselves any competition in naval construction. Parity as between the fleets of the British Empire and the United States of America has become an established principle acceptable to both Governments and peoples thereof. Furthermore the conditions and the circumstances which determine their respective naval requirements are such that the principle [Page 96] of parity should continue to be the governing factor in the naval policies of the Governments of Great Britain and the United States of America and it is believed that adherence to this principle will contribute to the furtherance of friendly relations between the two Governments and to world peace.
Please inform me as soon as possible if you approve of doing something along the lines indicated.