793.94/10284: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
5. Your No. 9, September 27, 3 p.m., just received. I note in the second paragraph thereof question presumably put by you to Cranborne “Would this not be first step along road to Article 17 which Eden had wished to avoid.”
The considerations contained in my No. 2, September 24, 6 p.m. were in the nature of suggestions which I believe might contribute to helpful action. They were not intended as any indication of what I considered should be a limitation of the scope of League action. The American Government has no desire to suggest in any way the limits to the action which League states may feel they are obligated under the Covenant to undertake.
I know that you will feel as I do that it would be unfortunate if any impression should get abroad, even if it arises from misinterpretation of an informal conversation, that this Government was endeavoring in any way to restrain the action which League states might otherwise feel bound to take. I do not assume that Cranborne might have gained a contrary impression from what you said, but if you feel that there is any possibility that he might have, I would wish that you make sure that he understands my position as outlined to you in the second paragraph above.59
- The Minister in Switzerland replied in his unnumbered telegram of September 28, 11 a.m.: “Am confident Cranborne gained no such impression. Fully appreciate your position.” (793.94/10289)↩