500.A4002/2: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Harvey) to the Secretary of State
705. Had a long and most friendly talk yesterday with Curzon. Found him readily responsive and desirous of helping in any possible way. As result of experience in testing methods he was satisfied that the Supreme Council’s present procedure is by far the most effective ever devised. Therefore he would strongly recommend that official representation of each country in actual membership of Conference be limited to two or at most three. This makes possible easy conversation of 12 to 20 authorized delegates sitting at horseshoe table. Behind each delegation would be their respective advisers and experts selected for their proficiency and knowledge on specific topics but having no voice in proceedings except when asked by official delegates of their country to supply desired information or to elucidate a problem. These counsellors and advisers would not necessarily be same at all sessions, purpose being to keep number in room at lowest minimum compatible with efficiency. At times also the second or third official delegate would yield to one of these counsellors as for instance the head of a department like navy, war, or treasury who then would participate in round-table discussion. He would not, however, take part in making a decision. This prerogative would be reserved to the chief authorized delegates who in practice invariably agree respecting the attitude of their respective Governments. This method without doubt is advantageous in eliminating temptation of individuals to make speeches, brings about a friendly atmosphere and a ready interchange of views. The delegates themselves almost invariably remain seated and talk without the slightest formality. Curzon disclaimed any desire to unduly [Page 64] urge his recommendation upon your judgment as any plan you propose would be entirely acceptable to him so far as his Government was concerned. He considered that two or at the outside three authorized delegates would be sufficient in any event regardless of size of the other delegations.
Although Curzon did not positively say so I gather that he expects that Lloyd George and himself will thus represent the British Empire, depending upon status of Irish situation at the time. The question of representation of the Dominions did not arise. They consider that a family affair and feel quite competent and authorized to speak for the whole Empire. Whether they should have representatives of the Dominions among their advisers they would regard, as I have been made from time to time aware of their attitude, as a question for their own arrangement. In fact they are so sensitive upon this point that I feel sure Curzon would have been disposed to resent a suggestion from me along this line. Consequently I considered it inadvisable to raise the point. I did, however, present your tentative suggestion of five to six delegates to avoid possibility of future criticism from Dominions that might be based upon assumption that they were barred out of adequate participation through any plan or act of yours. Confidentially I feel satisfied that Curzon and Lloyd George do not care to have Dominions directly represented by their own delegates upon same plane of authority as themselves. I also feel convinced that neither Premier Massey nor Premier Hughes, both of whom will probably be unable to attend, desires to have anyone but himself appear as having authority to speak for his Government.
Respecting procedure I may say that to me Supreme Council method was a revelation as a marvel of efficiency through easy, unrestricted conversation. By examining copy of British minutes which I sent you immediately after the meeting you can obtain a very clear idea of the practice.76 There are, however, some minor phases which may not be obvious. If you should so find and desire more detailed information regarding actual practice I can supply it readily by mail or telegraph. It is really quite an extraordinary development and you may desire to consider advisability of simply notifying the various powers that the Conference would follow Supreme Council method unless objection should be made. I feel sure this would be entirely satisfactory to all of them.
Curzon tells me he has been notified officially that delegations invited would be required pay their own expenses and make their own arrangements. Whether or not this is correct the matter is very important. Please inform me whether same notice was given [Page 65] all the other Governments and is subject to modification or irrevocable. I desire quick response to this query with a view to giving you suggestions designed to avert possible menace to success of Conference.