493.11/977: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 28—2:30 a.m.]
65. In informal conversation 27th, Minister for Foreign Affairs remarked that if gold franc case were arbitrated it might be referred to Hague or League Court or to distinguished individual. The objection to Hague was the time consumed before final decision; as to League Court, he wondered if United States would have any objection. He took for granted that as the arbitration would concern the interpretation of a treaty to which the United States was one of the signatories the United States would be one of the parties to the arbitration. I was noncommittal on these points and have the honor to ask for instructions for my guidance should the matter come up again.