740.0011 P. W./620
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine67
[Here follows report of discussion of ideas presented by Dr. E. Stanley Jones in previous correspondence, with particular reference to New Guinea; Mr. Ballantine and his associate, Mr. Max W. Schmidt, both pointed out the resemblance to “blackmail” of such a proposal and the greater advantage of “opening of certain areas freely to Japanese investment and settlement” through negotiation.]
… Dr. Jones brought up again the suggestion that a commission of three to the Far East be appointed, which he had made briefly earlier in the conversation. Mr. Ballantine raised several questions as to what Dr. Jones thought such a commission could accomplish that our present representatives could not, whether such a commission would be able to reach individuals in authority to whom our present representatives do not have access and whether new subject matter not already under discussion could be raised by such a commission. Dr. Jones did not seem to have considered such phases of his suggestion and replied merely that he thought such a step would demonstrate the earnest desire of the United States to find a peaceful solution, would inject new life into the negotiations, and would provide a “cooling off” period. Dr. Jones said he believed when two parties found their respective positions irreconcilably opposed that a third position should be found and that each party should yield something to make agreement on that third position possible. Mr. Ballantine posed the question whether it might not be more desirable in view of Japan’s pursuit [Page 562] of courses other than peaceful to await Japan’s suggestion of a third position rather than to put forward our own suggestion with no assurance that it would be acceptable or that it would resolve our difficulties.
Mr. Ballantine, availing himself of a suitable opening, pointed out to Dr. Jones that in the present delicate international situation, the bringing up of proposals, such as the one in regard to New Guinea, with representatives of foreign governments as Dr. Jones had done, was likely to create misapprehension no matter how much Dr. Jones sought to disclaim any purpose of speaking only for himself. Mr. Ballantine pointed out further that weaker nations at the present time were extremely sensitive and nervous over the possibility of their being made the subject of deals between other countries and of being “sold down the river”. Mr. Ballantine said that he felt we should by all means avoid saying anything which might give rise to untoward apprehensions on the part of representatives of other governments.
Dr. Jones and Dr. Robinson in departing thanked Mr. Ballantine and Mr. Schmidt for receiving them and Dr. Jones reemphasized his desire to serve merely as a private “catalyst” in efforts to find a peaceful solution of Pacific problems.
- Initialed by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hamilton); Dr. E. Stanley Jones was accompanied in his caU at the Department by Dr. Orris G. Robinson, Minister of Calvary Methodist Church, Washington, D. C.↩