511.3 B 1/125

The Secretary of the Navy ( Denby ) to the Secretary of State

Sir: In accordance with the request in your letter of July 23, 1923, No. NE 511.3 B 1/115,35 for an expression of my views on the suggested cooperation of the United States with other governments in the control of the private manufacture and international trade in arms, I have given careful consideration to this subject and can not see any useful result that would come from an attempt to enter into a general treaty limiting the manufacture or exportation of arms.

The conditions throughout the world are so various and complex that any attempt to apply general legislation is likely to fail of its object. I believe that no general treaty of this kind should be negotiated.

Respectfully,

Edwin Denby
  1. Not printed.