740.00116 E.W./11–244
The American Representative on the United Nations War Crimes Commission (Pell) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 9.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the Minutes of the meeting of the 17th of October, which went forward on the 24th,21 contained the formal statements of several members on the report of Committee III, of the War Crimes Commission, on the question whether the preparation and launching of the present war can be considered a war crime. This question was also discussed at the end of the 35th meeting of the Commission, the Minutes of which went forward on the 17th of October.21
Many members felt that this matter was of such importance that they would prefer to await specific instructions from their Governments. For this reason it was decided that the discussion would be adjourned for six weeks. That is to say until November 28, when it will be taken up again and voted on.
Lord Wright spoke with great vigor for the minority report, which did not, I think, command a majority of the Commission, although it received a good deal of verbal support.
Colonel Hodgson was on the Committee which prepared the report and agrees with the majority. Unless otherwise instructed I shall support his contention with my vote.
Respectfully,