503
!
-6-
authority for an extension of the powers of the Second Conference (N.B. the oonvening authority is the Assembly of the League and no action could therefore presumably be teken until next September).
Sir Malcolm Delevingne pointed out that 4 or 8 other countries represented at the Conference braides ourselves had taken a firm line
on the question of competence and would probably adhere to it. Nr. Waterlow's view was that in that oase we ought to desert thom and let them bear the odium. In reply to a question from the Home Secretary Sir Malcolm Delevingne said that the President of the Second Conference had not yet ruled the American proposals out of order and that if the 7 Powers represented at the First Conferencė agreed to their being considered he would accopt tham, On the other hand, if any delegation opposed their consideration, he would not accept a majority decision and would probably resign. This would probably mean the end of the Conferenco.
On the suggestion of the Home Secretary it was agrood to sign the draft Agreement of the First Conference (Conclusion 1).
The Home Secretary then asked whether we were to agree to a further discussion of the American proposals or to take our stand on the question of competence. He pointed out that the former alterna- tive would let down other countries which had hitherto taken the same
position as ourselves, Novertheless Mr. Waterlow preferred this course, subject to our giving prior warning to those countries of the action proposed. Sir Louis Kershaw meintained his attitude that
we should not give way on the question of competence and as a final compromise it was decided that the British Government should consent to an opportunity being given to the Americans to state the casc for their proposals (how this should be done would be a matter for arrangement). At the same time the view was expressed, particularly by the Home Secretary that however much the Foreign office wished to please America, we must not leave in the lurch those Powers (particularly France and Holland) which had noted with us hitherto and that we must take no action on this matter which was not agrood to by them. If necessary, Sir Malcolm Delevingne should arrange a privata meting with the representatives of France and Holland to endoavour to bring them round to our view (Conclusions 2 and 3).
It was also agreed that in the event of a discussion taking place in the Second Conference on the American proposals, the ritish Yepresentative should make a public defence of the British position, and (if this policy was approved) should make the announce rent regarding Hong Kong and Malays which is referred to above (Conclusion 4).
It was further agrood that the Foreign Office should consider the question of making representations to the governments concerned regarding the mfare presentation of the british position and the unwarranted allegations against the bona fides of the british
Government which had been made in the course of the Conference, was agreed that Mr. Porter's speech was in a special position and
It
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.