740.00116 EW/11–244: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
9920. For Pell. Reference your despatch dated November 2 (Embassy’s no. 18981) referring to this Government question whether acts committed for purpose of preparing and launching war can be considered war crimes and within scope of Commission’s work.
Since despatch not received until November 14, it is impossible to send you instructions in time for Commission’s meeting on November 29. Further time will be necessary to give question careful and adequate consideration. You are accordingly requested to state to Commission that this Government is not now prepared to express an opinion on the matter, and that you therefore are not prepared to vote on the question at this time. Further instructions will be sent as soon as possible.