500.A15A5 Construction/188a
The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt
My Dear Mr. President: I submit herewith, for your signature, a full power26 which has been made out for Mr. Herschel V. Johnson, who will be Chargé d’Affaires in London following Mr. Kennedy’s departure on June 15, to sign a protocol concerning the standard displacement and armament of capital ships under the London Naval Treaty of March 25, 1936, which has been found acceptable by the Departments of State and Navy. To meet the situation arising out of the Ambassador’s expected absence from his post, the full power for Mr. Johnson has been dated June 16, 1938.
The text of the protocol reads as follows:
[Here follows the text substantially as contained in telegram No. 571, June 28, 6 p.m., from The Chargé in the United Kingdom, printed on page 916.]
It is the opinion of this Department that in view of:
- (1)
- the notification which has been given by the United States and Great Britain of their decision to exercise the right provided for in paragraph (1) of Article XXV of the London Naval Treaty of 1936, to depart from the limitations and restrictions, provided in the treaty; and
- (2)
- of the authorization contained in Section 1 (a) of the Naval Act approved May 17, 1938,27
there is sufficient authority for the Executive to enter into the agreement set forth in the protocol.
Faithfully yours,