500.A15A4/1013½: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received May 1—12:50 p.m.]
165. For Castle and the President from the Secretary. Your 93, April 30, 3 p.m., naturally has laid upon me a heavy responsibility of decision but after careful consideration I am clear that it would be unwise to remain. It is true that the effect produced by my first appearance in Geneva coinciding as it did with that of MacDonald was influential and our joint efforts have I believe succeeded in producing a real new start in negotiations. But on the other hand such influence cannot be counted on to continue at the same high tension. These direct negotiations relate to questions which are peculiarly European and political. I was of help in getting them started by pushing behind MacDonald but I would be out of place in trying to conduct them after they are under way. They will not begin before May 17 at earliest. Their opening will possibly be somewhat delayed [Page 115] and their continuance will undoubtedly be protracted. MacDonald is fully determined to push them and to see them through. That is an appropriate task for him and his country but there will be immediately involved questions which would be inappropriate for me and my country. Moreover, the spectacle of the American Secretary of State hanging around during these inevitable delays will tend to gradually diminish the influence of our country. At best there will be no important decisions arrived at for a very considerable time and the delay will be somewhat indefinite. It would be more effective for me even to return later in the year if a period of crisis should again arise than for me to remain with an indefinite mission. The first contingency is the state of MacDonald’s health but he has determined to go through with it and his advisers think he can. If he should be knocked out my presence could not possibly be a substitute for him owing to the European character of the questions involved. I therefore have decided that it is better for me to adhere to my plans and return at once. [Stimson.]