Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1924, Volume II

362.115 St 21/353: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Whitehouse) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

Paris, September 17, 1924—9 p.m.
[Received September 18—7:38 a.m.]

408. L–221, from Logan.

1. Since July 8 when the case of the Standard Oil tankers and arbitrators’ report was withdrawn from the agenda of the Reparation Commission upon British delegate’s request, I have at appropriate opportunities sounded out Bradbury on possibility of accepting arbitrators’ recommendation of equal division but he has been reluctant to accede. He keeps stating that he considers arbitration should be proceeded with and that in their recommendation the two arbitrators exceeded their functions. He is now awaiting his Government’s instructions. The Department may desire to consider exercising pressure in London.

2. The other delegates seem somewhat indifferent to the subject because the real loser would be Great Britain who would, it is understood, receive the tankers under existing arrangements. The French arbitrator, Lyon, states that he has advised Barthou to vote for compromise. If the issue were forced I do not know how delegates would vote. Please instruct as to whether to accede to continuation of arbitration or to endeavor to force a vote. The outcome of the latter is now uncertain. Logan.

Whitehouse