Paris Peace Conf. 184.001101/19

Minutes of Meeting of the Steering Committee, Tuesday, 12th August, 1919, at 2 p.m.

  • Present:
    • Dr. Scott
    • Mr. Woolsey
    • Mr. J. F. Dulles
    • Col. Grant
    • Mr. A. W. Dulles (Secretary)
1.
Colonel Grant reported that the military, naval and air clauses for the Treaty with Hungary had been approved in principle by the Supreme Council, but referred back to the War Council to be put into accord with the corresponding terms as modified for the Austrian Treaty.
2.
Mr. J. F. Dulles reported that the financial clauses of the Hungarian Treaty had been withdrawn from the agenda of the Supreme Council, as it was useless to submit them until the final modifications had been made in the corresponding clauses for the Austrian Treaty.
3.
As regards reparations, Mr. Dulles reported that it was useless to submit a final draft for the Hungarian Treaty until it was known what the Roumanians had taken from the country and what restitution should be demanded. He referred to the fact that the Roumanians had demanded one-half of the river boats, cattle, etc.
4.
Mr. Dulles reported that the agreement regarding Italy’s contribution to the general Austrian debt had been referred to the Drafting Committee.
5.
The Committee decided to cause inquiries to be made as to who was taking Dr. Hudson’s place on the Ports, Waterways and Railways Commission. It was felt that it would be desirable to indicate to the Commissioners that an appointment should be made to carry on what might remain of this work.
6.
Mr. A. W. Dulles reported regarding steps which had been taken to draft a reply to the Austrian remarks on the territorial clauses of the Treaty.
7.
Colonel Grant reported that it was the opinion of a number of military authorities that injustice was being done Austria in forcing her to maintain only a volunteer army. Colonel Grant added that notwithstanding this opinion the military representatives had been obliged to follow the precedent set in the German Treaty in this regard. He felt, however that this was a matter which might well be brought to the attention of the Commissioners in order that when the Austrian reply was submitted to the Supreme Council, the question of a change in the military terms might be considered. Colonel Grant agreed to furnish a memorandum for the information of the Commissioners in regard to this matter.
8.
Colonel Grant stated that it appeared to him to be vital to the peace of Central Europe that the military forces of not only the enemy powers but also of the new states should eventually be limited. The Committee shared Colonel Grant’s view of this question and unanimously accepted the following statement:

“It appears to this Committee that, if it is intended to obtain the formal consent of the smaller powers to disarmament to a definite extent, a provision to this effect should be included in the treaties now being drafted for signature by the minor powers.”

9.
Dr. Scott suggested that a meeting be called on Thursday at 2:00 PM.
10.
The meeting adjourned at 2:45 PM.