Office of the Historian

File No. 812.00/23456, 23457.

The Special Commissioners to the Secretary of State.

[Telegrams.]
Niagara Falls, June 4, 1914, 11.45 a.m.

The Mediators discuss the wishes of the Governments in such a matter of course way as to show that they do not consider it improper to confer with A. B. C. Governments which according to the official correspondence had tendered their good offices. At our last meeting the Chilean Minister presented a telegram from his Government agreeing with him that an armistice must be required. In view of the consequences that may follow the failure or success of the mediation, we feel justified in calling your attention to this matter before we have another meeting, and to inquire whether you consider that the Mediators are acting as individuals or as the representatives of their Governments and bound to follow their instructions.

Commissioners.

[Untitled]

June 4, 1914, 6.25 p.m.

Since our telegram of this morning we have been reading Oppenheim and Moore as to the office of mediation and though they indicate that it is a governmental act they furnish no suggestion as to how far the Mediators can be directed by their Governments. Mr. Lehmann is of the opinion that, the mediation being a governmental function, the Mediators may properly maintain themselves in harmony with the views of their Governments and may properly consult their Governments. Judge Lamar takes a different view, unless their countries are parties.

Commissioners.