500.A15A4/1335: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 19—12:10 p.m.]
343. The French and British have worked out a text on limitation of expenditure which the Italians are ready to accept. As before stated the French are insistent that some reference to limitation of expenditure be inserted in the resolution. The British feel the same reluctance we do but think it advisable to accept this attenuated draft in order to complete agreement. Since it is consistent with your views we all feel that this text can be accepted without in any way prejudicing our position. Text follows:
“Limitation of budgetary expenditure.
- 1.
- The Conference on the resumption of its sittings will determine what system of limitation and publicity of expenditure on national defense will best guarantee to the peoples an alleviation of their financial [Page 297] burdens and will prevent the measures of qualitative and quantitative disarmament to be embodied in the convention from being neutralized by the increase or by the elaboration of arms that are permitted.
- 2.
- With a view to the decisions to be taken under this head, the Conference invites the Commission of National Defense Expenditure and its subcommittee to continue and complete the work which they have in hand and to report as soon as possible. The Conference requests the Bureau to formulate a plan on the basis of that report which shall achieve the purpose in view, taking into consideration the varying conditions of the several states.”