FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1934, VOLUME III



friendly conclusion. "I think it is just as well that we should quite
clearly understand it was not true that we or, as far as I know, any-
body else had ever signed a treaty with China in which we had pledged
ourselves to use all our forces to preserve the territorial integrity and
political independence of China."
  Replying to the opposition that Great Britain embark on a policy
of economic sanctions in an effort to forestall any war, Simon replied
"Economic sanctions cannot be applied without the risk of war and
we cannot undertake any system of sanctions or effective actions of
this type unless the United States cooperates."
  While extensively praising the American aid to the League "which
I hereby gratefully and publicly recognize" Simon said "The Com-
mons must understand, however, the limitation under which the
United States is likely to act." He intimated that Great Britain is
willing to participate in an international policy of sanctions in
specific cases provided the United States as well as other nations
interested formally agree; "Nevertheless it must be recognized that
a
policy of sanctions cannot be set up like a bottle of medicine for dosage
when and where needed. It is a matter necessitating full review in
each individual case and before action of any power of this nature all
interested must formally agree."
  Simon reaffirmed at some length Great Britain's desire to reach an
agreement at Geneva on disarmament; said that Great Britain has
already set the example for the reduction of armament and it is now
up to the other nations to follow suit.
  Complete text by pouch.'9
                                                         BINGHAM

793.94/6691: Telegram
    The Ambassador in Great Britain (Binghamr) to the Secretcary
                             of State

                                     LONDON, May 19, 1934-1 p. m.
                                   [Received May 19-11:40 a. mi.]
  267. It seems advisable to amplify my 265, May 18, 4 p. m. and
American press reports by quoting verbatim official text of that por-
tion of Simon's statement dealing with sanctions in which he referred
to American cooperation.
  "It is absolutely no use talking about economic pressure unless you
make certain that it is going to be effective. So far as the principal
countries of Europe are concerned, you cannot, as a matter of fact,
make a system effective unless the United States actively cooperate.

  "9Not printed.



186