740.00116 EW/9–1244
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Halifax)
The Secretary of State presents his compliments to His Excellency the Ambassador of Great Britain and has the honor to refer to Lord Halifax’s note of September 12, 1944 proposing a tripartite declaration warning neutral countries against giving asylum to war criminals.
The Government of the United States agrees that the issuance of such a statement would be desirable. It believes further that consideration should be given to requesting the other United Nations, once the declaration has been issued, to indicate their agreement with or adherence to the position stated. It believes that the adoption by all of the United Nations of a uniform position on this matter would carry considerable moral weight with the neutral countries.
The Government of the United States finds the draft declaration enclosed with Lord Halifax’s note generally satisfactory but may wish to suggest slight changes in wording. Information would be appreciated as to the response of the Soviet Government to the corresponding approach made to it.