ment. However, finally agreement was had on a formula based on experience of the countries in which rationalization had been most highly developed. The conference went on record in opposition to indirect and direct states subsidies, but without undertaking critical definitions of the terms, urging that subsidies should not be likely [lightly?] invoked. In the discussions on Cartels, appeared also differences between workers and operators. In addition to this, the subject was relatively new and untried, so no accurate definition was possible. We recognize that there are certain physical and geographical conditions in particular situations that might make it desirable and economical for some form of international industrial agreements to be made; but we are apprehensive of the dangers of restricted output and the tendency to monopolistic exploitation. The resolution on Cartels sets out most of the objections and points out that the success of Cartels will be conditional on the character and policies of the Management. Early experience in the United States in agreements of a similar character resulted in restrictive legislation. Because of this and the conviction that governments would participate in Cartels, our Delegation felt that we could not by our actions approve international Cartels and we took a definite position against international Cartels with Governmental participation. The Committee on Agriculture adopted resolutions in support of international extension of co-operative marketing, in favor of enlargement of agricultural credits in countries where these are still inadequate and urging the world-wide collection of comparable statistics on production, movement, stocks and consumption of farm products. The full text of the resolutions reached by the Conference and in each case the degree of agreement reached is shown in Annex 2.87 In conclusion we have appreciatively to acknowledge the contributions of the various departments of the Government in Washington. Before the departure for the Conference, sub-committees were set up to explore the questions set forth in the Agenda on which were experts from the following Departments of the Government, State. Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor and the United States Tariff Commission. These sub-committees held many meetings before the delegation convened in Washington. Before leaving Washington, the members of the Delegation had two meetings with the expert members of the sub-committees. In the eight days crossing the ocean the Members of the Delegation and the experts accompanying the 87 Not printed. The resolutions are incorporated in the report of the Conference adopted on May 23, 1927. See League of Nations, Report and Proceedings, vol. I, pp. 30 ff. Delegation held fourteen meetings for the discussion of the documentation of the Preparatory Committee and all the facts and statistics developed by the sub-committees of experts relating to the economic position of the world and particularly with reference to the United States. During the course of the Conference, daily meetings were held, including Delegates and Experts and Advisors, at which the policies of the day were outlined. We feel that within the limits fixed for discussion and recommendation, the conference has pointed ways for the removal or modification of obstacles to the natural flow of international trade, and for the lowering of costs of production. We believe if the formula evolved should be followed, it will be beneficial to the peoples not only of Europe but of the world. We are convinced that improvement in economic condition in Europe will make for universal peace. Delegates: [Annex 1] Personnel of the American Delegation Mr. Henry M. Robinson. Member of the Dawes Commission, and President of the Mr. Norman H. Davis. Formerly Assistant Secretary of Treasury and Under Secretary of State. Mr. John W. O'Leary. President of the United States Chamber of Commerce. Director of Food Research Institute, Stanford University. Director, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, U. S. Mr. Robinson and Mr. O'Leary served on the Committee on Industry; Mr. Davis and Mr. Klein served on the Committee on Commerce; Mr. Taylor served on the Committee on Agriculture. Experts and Advisers of American Delegation to the International Economic Conference: Dr. Arthur N. Young. Economic Adviser to the Department of State. Dr. E. Dana Durand. Chief of the Research Division, Department of Commerce. Mr. Grosvenor Jones. Chief of the Finance and Investment Division, Department of Commerce. Mr. Louis Domeratzky. Chief of the Regional Division, Department of Commerce. Mr. E. W. Camp. Commissioner of Customs, Treasury Department. Permanent American Delegate to the International Institute Dr. Percy W. Bidwell. An Economist of the United States Tariff Commission. Chief of the Division of Foreign Tariffs, Department of Mr. John P. Frey. Representing the Department of Labor. Secretary: Mr. Somerville Pinkney Tuck. Consul of the United States of America at Geneva. Assistant Secretary: Mr. F. C. Finger. Representative of the Press: Mr. Arthur Bullard. Dr. Young, Mr. Camp, Mr. Domeratzky, Mr. Chalmers and Mr. Bidwell served on the Committee on Commerce; Dr. Durand, Mr. Jones and Mr. Frey served on the Committee on Industry; Mr. Hobson served on the Committee on Agriculture. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR THE ABOLITION OF IMPORT AND EXPORT PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, GENEVA, OCTOBER 17NOVEMBER 8, 1927 89 560.M2/- Telegram The Consul at Geneva (Tuck) to the Secretary of State GENEVA, June 14, 1927-3 p. m. [Received June 14-1:54 p. m.] Council today adopted Stresemann report fixing date Diplomatic Conference Abolition Export and Import Prohibitions [and] Restrictions for October 17, 1927. This date chosen in order not to conflict with proposed meeting Preparatory Commission for Disarmament in November.89 Report calls attention of states invited to Conference to conclusion[s] formulated by International Economic Conference on the subject [of] prohibitions. All countries who sent delegations to Economic Conference will receive invitation to attend. 90 TUCK 85 For official records of the Conference, see League of Nations, International Conference for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions, etc.: Proceedings of the Conference (C.21.M.12.1928.II). **For correspondence concerning the fourth session of the Preparatory Commission, see pp. 159 ff. * See pp. 238 ff. 560.M2/3a: Telegram The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) WASHINGTON, July 15, 1927-10 a. m. 60. Has Legation received an invitation from League requesting American representation at Diplomatic Conference for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions to be convened October 17, 1927? You are requested to telegraph a summary of any invitation to an International Conference which Legation may receive in future, giving date received and date of mailing. KELLOGG 560.M2/4: Telegram The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State BERNE, July 16, 1927—10 a. m. [Received 10:30 a. m.] 58. Department's telegram 60, July 15, 10 a. m. Invitation transmitted to Department by League in circular letter number 29, April 2, 1927, under cover of Legation's despatch number 1178 of April 13, 1927, L. N. number 895,91 whereby United States was invited, on behalf of the Council of the League, to send a duly authorized delegation to take part in an international Conference with a view to framing an international convention for abolishing import and export prohibitions and restrictions. In a communication of June 27 forwarded by last pouch under cover of Legation's despatch number 17 of June 28, League of Nations 919,91 League requests to be informed whether United States intends to take part in Conference. WILSON 560.M2/4: Telegram The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) WASHINGTON, July 22, 1927-1 p. m. 61. Your 58, July 16, 10 a. m. League's circular letter No. 29 transmitted with Legation's despatch No. 1178, of April 2, 1927,92 was mimeographed unsigned document in which even the space for the name of the invited Government was left blank. Such a blank circular form can in no way be considered an invitation to any diplomatic conference. 1 Neither printed. 92 Neither printed; Legation's despatch No. 1178 was dated April 13, 1927. You are therefore requested, in reply to League's communication of June 27, 1927,94 which has not yet been received by the Department, to invite the attention of the Secretariat to the fact that this Government has received no invitation to the Conference referred to in your telegram. KELLOGG 560.M2/10 The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State No. 56 L. N. No. 933 BERNE, August 4, 1927. [Received August 23.] SIR: Referring to the Department's telegram No. 62 of July 28, 5 p. m., 1927, and this Legation's telegram No. 64 of August 4, 12 noon 95 relative to an invitation extended by the League of Nations to the United States to send a duly authorized delegation to take part in an international conference with a view to framing an international convention for abolishing import and export privileges and restrictions, I beg leave to transmit herewith, for the Department's information, a copy and translation of a letter dated August 2, 1927, from the Director of the Economic and Financial Section of the League 4 enclosing a signed duplicate of the above referred to invitation of April 2, 1927, (C.L.29.1927.II). The signed duplicate of this invitation is likewise transmitted herewith. I have [etc.] 94 The Deputy Secretary General of the League of Nations (Avenol) to the Secretary of State C.L.29.1927.II GENEVA, April 2, 1927. SIR: On behalf of the Council of the League of Nations I have the honour to invite the United States Government to send a duly authorised delegation to take part in an international conference with a view to framing an international convention for abolishing import and export prohibitions and restrictions. This invitation is addressed to States Members and non-Members of the League of Nations in pursuance of the following resolution adopted by the Council on March 11th, 1927. |