500.A14/671: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the American Delegate (Wilson)
438. Your 910, June 21, 1 p.m. I have not as yet recommended to the President that he ratify the Convention, and no action will be taken until we are in receipt of further information in regard to the probable attitude of other parties to the Convention toward that portion of the reservation which pertains to the Persian Gulf. Please ascertain discreetly from persons in Geneva, whose opinion may be of value, the probable effect of ratification with this reservation (a) upon the time at which the Convention could become effective and (b) upon the negotiations now proceeding with a view to the inclusion in the General Disarmament Convention of provisions pertaining to the international traffic in arms.
You may point out that the reservation literally interpreted has little if any significance. It does not ascribe to Persia any rights which she does not already possess. You may also point out that ratification with this reservation would not imply any intention on the part of this Government either the Senate or the President to interfere with the status quo in the Persian Gulf or to take any part whatever in any disputes which have arisen or may arise in respect to rights to territory in that part of the world.
Telegraph fully.