Office of the Historian

793.94/3208: Telegram

The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State

Geneva, December 15, 1931—9 a.m.
[Received 11:30 a.m.]

315. Drummond asked me to call on him late yesterday afternoon. He discussed the present status of the Sino-Japanese question with particular reference to paragraph 5 of the Council’s resolution of December 9th which provides for the appointment of a commission. He covered the following points:

1.
The present program is that the commission will be comprised of one national each of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and if the United States Government acquiesces, of a national of the United States. A national of a smaller power might be added, in which case no objection is seen to the increase, if necessary, of the number of commissioners to six. The question appears to be not so much which small power may be selected but rather the obtaining of a competent individual from among the smaller powers regardless of nationality.
2.
Drummond, at the direction of the President of the Council, is undertaking the work of arranging for the membership of the commission and other details connected therewith.
3.
The British, French, German, and Italian Governments are suggesting a limited number of names from their respective nationals from whom selections may be made.
4.
Drummond gained the impression from Ambassador Dawes that the United States would be favorable to one of its nationals serving.
5.
Briand and Drummond are giving thought to Walker D. Hines87 as the American member as it is felt that his qualifications would make him particularly suitable. In connection with Hines, it is felt that his services would be valuable respecting the railroad problems involved and also from the fact that men with other special qualifications will probably be selected from among the other nationalities.
6.
If an invitation to Hines to serve is favorably regarded by the United States Government it would be issued at once. Drummond points out, however, that time would be saved if the United States Government could sound Hines out to determine if he is prepared to serve.
7.
Any other suggestion on the part of the United States Government would, of course, be welcome.
8.
It is planned that the commission proceed to Manchuria about the middle of January and the probable duration of its labors is estimated at 9 months. I understand that the only terms of reference for the commission are those to be inferred from the Council resolution of December 9 and the “President’s declaration” of the same date.

I am transmitting the foregoing as statements made to me by Drummond. It is obvious that he expects an answer to the implied questions. I would appreciate instructions.

Gilbert
  1. Lawyer, of New York City, director general of railroads January 10, 1919–May 15, 1920.↩