500.A15A4 Air Armaments/108: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 20—9:51 p.m.]
263. At meetings held here between members of the French, British and American delegations both morning and afternoon today the results of the conversations which treated aviation and chemical warfare will be seen from two strictly confidential informal memoranda quoted below. Please bear in mind that the representatives of the other delegations were not aware of the contents of your 136, June 18, 11 p.m.,48 and that the American delegation, therefore, had to be very guarded. Full reservation was made, nevertheless, of our right to bring up more far reaching plans in the future as will be seen from the first paragraph of memorandum on aviation.
Aviation. “The United States, United Kingdom, and French delegations after an exchange of views and without prejudice to any [Page 179] more far reaching proposals which they may wish to consider, record that they have already reached agreement on the following points:
- 1.
- The unladen weight of all military and naval airplanes shall be limited with a view to limiting their range of action.
- 2.
- The numbers of military and naval aeroplanes possessed by each country shall be limited by international agreement.
- 3.
- All kinds of aerial bombardment shall be prohibited at a distance of more than X kilometers from the front except in the case of air bases and long range gun emplacements.
- 4.
- The application of principles 1 and 2 is closely connected with the institution of a system of international control of the large civil machines which could suitably replace the military and naval machines prohibited under 1. It is recognized that this system need only be applicable to Europe.
- Note 1. A decision is required on limitation of dirigibles.
- Note 2. The United States delegation desires to have further consultation with their Government on point 1.
- Note 3. The question of restricting bombardment by naval aircraft should be discussed.”
Would appreciate indication from Army and Navy as to maximum unladen weight which would be acceptable, assuming we agreed to any criteria along the lines of point 1. French confidentially and informally indicate to us a maximum unladen weight around 2500 to 3000 kilos. President’s plan contemplates the elimination of all bombers. Our only other planes above any unladen weight which might be agreed upon, which we might wish to retain, would be our flying boats and possibly these could be taken care of by a special numerical exception in connection with point 2. Assuming eventual adoption of President’s plan eliminating all bombers, we direct your attention to type of plane which is not eliminated by the President’s plan but which might be eliminated by any unladen weight restriction under 1. With reference to Note 3, question will be debated tomorrow. You will recognize our difficulty in carrying on three-cornered conversations pending announcement of President’s program but it seems important to keep you fully advised of these conversations and of points which have arisen, many of which may find their own solution as soon as program is announced.
Memorandum on chemical and bacteriological warfare follows:
“The American, United Kingdom and French delegations record their agreement on the following points relating to chemical and bacteriological warfare:
- 1.
- They approve the report of the Commission on Chemical and Bacteriological Warfare and agree to support its conclusions at the Conference.
- 2.
- They recognize that it is necessary to render as effective as possible the prohibition of chemical and bacteriological warfare and [Page 180] that this must be particularly borne in mind when they examine part 6 of the draft convention.
- 3.
- They agree that it is necessary to consider especially the consequences which would result from a violation of the prohibition. They reserve for the moment the discussion of this question.”