793.94 Conference/147a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis)
14. There is offered below the text of a draft resolution which might be presented by one of the smaller powers at the Conference and which, if adopted, might represent a definite step which the Conference might take. The draft resolution is only suggestive as to concept, form and substance and is sent to you for your consideration and as of possible helpfulness to you. It envisages possible action in the event that Japan declines another invitation to the Conference or if it is determined that no further invitation is to be extended. The text is as follows:
“Whereas the Nine Power Treaty is based upon and embodies certain fundamental principles which are set forth in the first Article of the Treaty which reads as follows: (insert here the text of Article 1); and
Whereas these principles are not unusual or special in character; were widely accepted 15 years ago when the Treaty was signed and are even more widely accepted today; and are among the principles enunciated in the statement of the Secretary of State of the United States of July 16, which has received express approval and support by practically all nations of the world; and
Whereas the nations which signed or adhered to the Nine Power Treaty, by that very fact, mutually recognized their common interest in the fundamental objectives of the Treaty—namely, stability, the maintenance of peace, and progress in the Far East—and expressed their conviction that these objectives can best be attained through the practical application of the principles upon which the Nine Power Treaty rests; and
Whereas the hostilities now in progress in the Far East are of direct concern not only and especially to the parties to the Nine Power Treaty, but to all nations, since it has been proven repeatedly that a conflict in any part of the world disturbs the peaceful development of economic and political relations of all.
Resolved that the governments represented at this Conference solemnly affirm their common and mutual interest in the fundamental objectives of the Treaty and express their emphatic and unanimous belief that the principles of the Treaty afford a framework within [Page 124] which hostilities can be brought to a close and a peaceful settlement of the controversy in the Far East can be effected, and
Be it further resolved that
Taking cognizance of the fact that the Japanese Government has declined the invitation to be represented at this Conference, and, in order to facilitate the initiation of conversations leading to a peaceful settlement of the dispute on the basis of the principles embodied in the treaty, the Conference invites the governments of Germany, Great Britain and the United States to hold themselves in readiness to explore with the two parties to the conflict methods by which these purposes may be attained.
The Conference further invites the governments of Germany, Great Britain and the United States to apprise the two parties to the present conflict of this resolution and to concert together as to the means of procedure best calculated to obtain the objectives of this resolution.”
It was our thought that, after the adoption of such a resolution, the Conference could recess or adjourn for a period not to exceed 1 month, subject to prior convocation by the Chairman at the request of any one of the signatories.
(If you think well of the suggestion and your colleagues are in agreement, I suggest that you discuss with them the advisability of sounding out the Japanese Government, through diplomatic channels, as to their readiness to entertain the procedure embodied in the resolution. It may be advisable to make such soundings prior to the adoption of the resolution.)
We will appreciate your views both on this suggestion and on that contained in telegram No. 549, October 25, 6 p.m. to you at Paris concerning a renewed invitation to Japan to be issued by the Conference.