711.00 Statement July 16, 1937/29: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
389. Your 1038, July 24. My statement of our view that provisions of treaties may be modified, where need therefor arises, by orderly processes is a statement of a universally accepted legal principle which, unfortunately, has in recent years and in many quarters been shown little respect. It represents the opposite of the practice of unilateral abandonment or breach or repudiation by force.
My statement with regard to limitation and reduction of armament coupled with readiness on our part to regulate our armed establishments [Page 727] on a proportional basis is intended to make clear that we favor limitation and reduction but are prepared, if forced to do so, to make increases if and as other countries, refusing limitation and reduction, make increases.