500.A15A5 Construction/127: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 7—3:45 p.m.]
189. Your 96, March 5, 3 p.m. In view of statement in paragraph 5, Naval Attaché suggests following additional information be telegraphed if practicable: [Page 899]
- (1)
- Do we wish to invoke escalator clause for both sub-categories of capital ships or only for sub-category (a)?
- (2)
- Does invoking the escalator clause in regard to armament of capital ships as well as size indicate that we desire to be free to mount guns larger than 16-inch?
- (3)
- Are we prepared to indicate at this time upper limit of size of ships and calibre of guns?
Captain Willson talked informally today with Admiralty experts. They told him that in their opinion and in opinion of legal officers of the Foreign Office qualitative escalation is impossible under article 26 and can be accomplished in time of peace only by making use of article 25. They agree that article 25 does not exactly fit the case but point out that article 26 provides only for departure for the current year from the annual program and that such departure must be within the treaty types. The Admiralty officials suggested an informal meeting between ourselves and the British only for Wednesday afternoon, March 9, at which it was said they expect to discuss the above points.