793.94/4322: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—6:32 p.m.]
31. Memorandum follows by Sweetser of private meeting of the Twelve which preceded the public meeting this afternoon:
Memorandum. The Twelve held a long private meeting before the public session this afternoon to decide on the resolution to be adopted concerning the convocation of the Assembly, the declaration to be made by the President and the general program to be followed in the discussion.
Apart from the considerations which developed at the public session later, one special point may be noted. Madariaga suggested, in order to give the session real substance, that a definite program be adopted for assuring a united moral front. One of the possibilities, he urged, was that the United States be invited to associate itself openly with the League’s work. The difficulties at Shanghai, he understood, had been increased by a lack of united action while in general there did not seem to him a sufficient cohesion between Washington and Geneva. He thought, therefore, the American Government should be formally invited to act with the League.
Drummond did not think the time had come for such action. He thought the whole situation was undergoing a change with the convening of the Assembly. At that time consideration might be given to inviting not only the United States but other nonmember states represented at the Disarmament Conference. The situation in 10 days’ time would be entirely different from what it is today. In the meantime great caution should be used in connection with any new steps.
Londonderry agreed with Drummond. He felt strongly that the Council had done all it was capable of doing at the moment through its appeal. He went even further to say that if the Council attempted more at this moment it would run the risk of prejudging the situation and bringing in an indictment before it had the full facts.