467.11 W 89/4: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Special Mission at Lausanne
225. Mission’s telegram 503 of July 6. Paragraph A is not satisfactory as it does not provide for claims which arose before 1917 but which were not presented by that time, for claims due to death or personal injury, or for means of final settlement. This paragraph does not hold out any promise at all of progress in settling the claims.
With reference to paragraph B, the Department would be willing to undertake the registration of claims within six months. It does not feel, however, that the time allowed is sufficient for the preparation and presentation of evidence. It believes evidence should be admissible throughout the period of discussion. The lack of definite provision for final decision makes this paragraph unsatisfactory.
The Department agrees with your opinion regarding paragraph D.
In case the Turks are not willing to have all claims referred in the first instance to a mixed tribunal, the Department wishes you to try to obtain the adoption of the plan described in our 196, June 25, final paragraph. In order to meet the Turkish objection that information as to character of claims is lacking, the Department is willing to designate the general categories of claims to be included. The Department is anxious to have all outstanding claims settled and thinks that the adoption of a plan for that purpose will make for harmonious relations between the United States and Turkey.