Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1921, Volume II

862i.01/58a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis)²

Washington, November 9, 1920—4 p.m.

1136. During the recent sessions of the Communications Conference³ some question has arisen in regard to the disposition of the Island of Yap by the Supreme Council. It has been contended that this Island was included in the islands north of the Equator which were offered by action of the Supreme Council of May 7, 1919, under mandate to Japan.⁴ It was the clear understanding of this Government that for reasons vitally affecting international communications, the Supreme Council at the previous request of President Wilson, reserved for future consideration the final disposition of the Island of Yap in the hope that some agreement might be reached by the Allied and Associated Governments to place the Island under international control and thus render it available as an international cable station. For this reason it is the understanding of the Government that the Island of Yap was not included in the action of the Supreme Council on May 7, 1919.

In order to avoid misunderstanding on this point, you are instructed to read the foregoing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and to leave a copy with him.

Colby

2. The same to the diplomatic representatives in France, as no. 1625, Italy, as no. 213, and Japan, as no. 417 (file nos. 862i.01/49b, 58b, and 49a).
3. See Foreign Relations, 1920, vol. i, pp. 107 ff.
4. Minutes of the Supreme Council, May 7, 1919, 4:15 p.m.: “The following decisions were reached:— … German Islands North of the Equator. The mandate shall be held by Japan.” (Peace Commission file no. 180.03401/149.)