793.94 Conference/232: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis)
64. Your 32, November 14, 10 p.m. We have noted in the press reports appearing here under Brussels date lines comments along the lines indicated in the first two sentences of your telegram; also reports to the effect that everything in reference to the possible success or failure of the Conference depends upon the attitude of Washington. For instance, in the New York Herald Tribune and the New York Times today there appear articles under Brussels date line November 14 stating, inter alia, that during this week’s recess of the Conference the French and British delegations will leave and the American delegation will be charged with the task of drawing up a resolution defining the terms of adjournment.
We realize the difficult situation with which you are confronted and appreciate the efforts you are making to dispel misapprehension. We fear that a pause in the Conference proceedings, such as the present one, which leaves you the only delegate in Brussels of a great power, [Page 189] inevitably gives rise to this type of story. You may think it advisable, therefore, to urge the resumption and completion of this phase of the Conference work as soon as possible. In justice to this Government and to yourself I think you should do your utmost to persuade Eden and Delbos to be present at the final session, and to accept their full share in drafting and preparation of resolutions.
The Washington Post this morning finds that “the parley would accomplish a good deal” and that the resolution has a greater potential importance than the probable immediate consequences would seem to indicate.
The Baltimore Sun yesterday under the caption “By no means futile” states that the Conference “sets a precedent for concerted action to uphold the doctrines of international morality and good faith in the Far East” and that “no matter what else may come out of the meeting, this collaboration, if it is maintained to the end, will provide a hopeful augury for the future of international morality.”