793.94/2273: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—5:11 p.m.]
237. Consulate’s 211, October 16, 11 p.m., Department’s 108, October 20, 4 p.m.5
In a conversation with Briand this afternoon the question of a “sequia” to the Council’s action respecting the Pact of Paris in its meeting of October 16 was brought forward. It was suggested that in a public meeting of the Council in which it should seem most opportune to him, Briand, as President of the Council, should make a statement in simple terms as to the action which had been taken in invoking the Pact (a) by states represented on the Council and (b) by other states signatories of the Pact (insofar as that action could be ascertained by him at the time of the meeting). He is requesting Paris to keep him currently informed of such pertinent information as is received there.
Such a statement as he would make would not cite any note sent to Tokyo or Peking but would merely name the states which had sent notes and make references to article 2 of the Pact.
[Page 285]He then envisaged that I might make similar statement or he would include the United States in his list. I said that I would take this up with you at once. I solicit your early instructions in order that, if this plan is to be carried out, Briand may have the opportunity to get the matter in hand.
- Latter not printed.↩