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OCR Page 1 of 2PSF
Safe! William C, Bullitt
Safe File
[PSF, Safe, Bullit]
PSF
Vienna, March 12, 1939.
Secretary of State Keppler and Director General
Vogl have related the following:
"On Wednesday, March 8th, a conference was held
at the Fuehrer's which was attended by personalities
from the army, economic circles, and the Party.
'Austria' was represented by Gauleiter Buerckel in
addition to those mentioned above.
"Certain economic and labor problems were discussed
first. Then the Fuehrer spoke. First, he declared that
the four-year plan was a last resort. The real problem
confronting the German people was to assure for itself
the sources from which could be obtained the raw mate-
rials necessary for its well being. In addition, in
order to enjoy this well being, enemies of the German
people must be exterminated radically: Jews, democracies,
and the 'international powers'. As long as those enemies
had the least vestige of power left anywhere in the world,
they would be a menace to the peace of the German people.
"In this connection, the situation in Prague was
becoming intolerable. In addition, Prague was needed
as a means of access to those raw materials. Consequently,
orders have been issued to the effect that, in a few days,
not later than the 15th of March, Czechoslovakia is to be
occupied militarily.
"Poland will follow. We will not have to count on
a
- 2 -
a very strong resistance from that quarter. German domi-
nation over Poland is necessary in order to assure for
Germany Polish supplies of agricultural products and coal.
"As far as Hungary and Rumania are concerned, - they
belong without question to Germany's vital space - the
fall of Poland and adequate pressure will undoubtedly
bring them to terms. We will then have absolute control
over their vast agricultural and petroleum resources.
The same may be said for Yugoslavia.
which
"This is the plan/will be realized until 1940. Even
then Germany will be unbeatable.
"In 1940 and 1941 Germany will settle accounts once
and for all with her hereditary enemy: France. That
country will be obliterated from the map of Europe.
England is an old and feeble country, weakened by demo-
cracy. With France vanquished, Germany will dominate
England easily and will then have at its disposition
England's riches and domains throughout the world.
"Thus, having for the first time unified the con-
tinent of Europe according to a new conception, Germany
will undertake the greatest operation in all history:
with British and French possessions in America as a
base, we will settle accounts with the 'Jews of the
dollar' (Dollarjuden) in the United States. We will
exterminate this Jewish democracy and Jewish blood
will
TBV =
- 3 -
will mix itself with the dollars. Even today Americans
can insult our people, but the day will come when, too
late, they will bitterly regret every word they said
against us.
"Among those present, some were very enthusiastic
while others seemed much less so."
safe Bullitt
Paris, September 16, 1939.
Personal and
Confidential
Dear Mr. President:
I sent a telegram today which you have probably
seen, describing the manner in which the German Air
Force destroyed nine-tenths of the Polish Air Force
at noon on the first of September. I assume that
you saw the telegram and I want to let you know a
number of related facts which I did not put in it.
My informant was the French Minister for Air,
Guy La Chambre, who had just talked with a French
officer who left Poland three days ago and person-
ally witnessed the Polish débacle.
In the course of our conversation, La Chambre
added a number of facts about air fighting on the
western front which I did not consider it wise to
put in my cable. He said that there had been a
number
The Honorable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
- 2 -
number of air engagements between the Curtiss pursuit
planes, which the French bought last year in the
United States, and the German Messerschmidts. In the
opinion of the French pilots, the Curtiss planes were
definitely superior to the German Messerschmidts. On
one occasion, three Curtiss planes had been attacked
by six Messerschmidts and had beaten off the six and
destroyed two of the six.
La Chambre said that he feared that the German
espionage service was as well organized in France as
it had been in Poland. The French, therefore, had to
fear that at some given moment the German bombardment
planes flying so high as to be out of sight would
suddenly descend on the French air fields in an attempt
to destroy the French air force before it could take
the air. He had, therefore, taken the utmost precau-
tions to distribute and conceal the French planes.
He felt that as long as the French pursuit planes
should remain in existence, which would not be very
long, they could prevent German bombardment, by day,
of Paris and other vital centers. The truth was, how-
ever, that the French did not have sufficient planes
to
- 3 -
to hold the air for more than a couple of months at the
outside, and he feared that the British could not be
counted on for any effective action.
La Chambre added that he now had the exact figures
with regard to the number of planes that the British
could put in the air at this moment. The British had
told tall stories about their production. The truth
was that the British had today of the most modern types
only 480 pursuit planes and abcut 500 bombers. Further-
more, the British pilots, with comparatively few ex-
ceptions, were so ill-trained that he did not know how
effective they would be. He stated that in the raid
against the Kiel Canal, a dozen British bombers had
taken part. Two had been shot down; but four had got
lost flying to Kiel and had crashed in Germany. More-
over, two of the air raid warnings in Paris had been
caused by British planes which had lost their way and
had flown over the city.
There were two vital questions for French aviation.
First, whether or not the French pursuit planes could
prevent the bombardment of French plane factories;
second, whether or not the French could produce suffi-
cient motors. He was doubtful about both points.
Daladier, a couple of days ago, expressed a much
more pessimistic view to me. He said that he felt
that
- 4 -
that his political life and probably his personal life
as well could not last more than three months. He
expected Hitler, as soon as the Polish attack should
have been completed, to launch the entire German Air
Force against France. The bombardments of France would
be so terrible that the French people would blame him
for the lack of French planes and would drive him from
political life and indeed would probably kill him. He
did not consider that the lack of planes was his fault
but he would be blamed for it.
I do not know whether these pessimistic views will
be justified by the event, but it is certain that, if
they should be justified and if Germany after someweeks
of combat should be able to drive the French and British
Air Forces from the air, the bombardments of French land
communications and the bombardments of British shipping
might be as effective as the bombardments of Polish com-
munications during the past two weeks.
Under the circumstances, I think you ought to have
studied now in all its aspects the military and naval
problem that will face the United States in case France
and England should be defeated during the next eight
months. I am convinced that if Hitler should be able
to win during this period, he would be able to obtain
the support of the Italians and the Japanese and would
be
- 5 -
be in a position to make the attack on South America
which he announced to the leaders that he convoked on
the eighth of March last. I now have in written form
the statement which I telegraphed to you on that sub-
ject some months ago. The report was handed me by Otto
of Hapsburg. It comes from one of his most trusted
agents in Vienna who is in the center of the Nazi move-
ment, and I consider it absolutely authentic.
I realize that it will probably be impossible for
you to convince the people of the United States that
they are menaced by Hitler. I can not express to you
too strongly my conviction that we are menaced in the
most terrible manner by Hitler. If we do not change
at once the Neutrality Act and supply France and England
immediately with all the weapons of war that we can
produce, we shall be insane. It is the considered
opinion not only of our own Military and Naval Attachés
in Paris, but also of the French General Staff that if
the United States should continue to refuse to supply
airplanes, arms, and ammunition to France and England,
France and England unquestionably would be defeated.
It would be our turn next.
I
- 6 -
I intend to telephone to you later this evening to
ask you whether or not you feel that it might not be
worth while for me to telegraph to Bob La Follette and
Tinkham on this subject. Any American who opposes the
sale of arms and ammunition to France and England today
must be either blind to the realities of the situation
or no patriot.
Your Aunt Dora came to the Chancery to call on me
this afternoon and again evoked not only my affection
but my admiration. In her customary quiet manner, she
announced that she had now given up her passage on the
16th and had taken passage on the 29th and then, with
a twinkle in her eye, said: "But you know, I am rather
tenacious". In other words, she hasn't the slightest
intention of leaving her apartment until she is blown
out of it. She is really superb.
Love to you all and good luck.
Bill.
Enclosure.
[PSF, Safe, 15011.1t ]
lus
file
70
lw
box
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Dated SEptEmbEr 16, 1939
fore being communicated
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 8:40 a.m.
Secretary of State
Washington
1998, SEptEmbEr 16, 11 a.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
I hope that you have decided to make no protest
if the same rules of blockade should bE applied now
by the British and French as those which were applied
by ourselves in conjunction with the British and French
in the summer of 1918. The only Effective weapon now
in the hands of the democracies is the blockade.
Since WE participated in the preparation and applica-
tion of the blockade rules of 1918 there is no reason
why WE should object to their application today.
You have probably already given instructions in
this SENSE. If not please do, and please inform
Lothian and Saint Quentin. I have written you with
regard to this subject and many others; but the mails
are so slow and irragular, and this question is so
important, that I fEEl obliged to telegraph.
BULLITT
HTM:CSB
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
OFFICE OF
THE COUNSELOR
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1939.
Dear Mr. President:
I have thought that for convenient reference you
may wish to have the enclosures that pertain to the so-
called neutrality legislation:
(1) The pamphlet marked "A" is the present law,
except that Section 2 expired by limitation on last May
first;
(2) The pamphlet marked "B" contains all of the
measures that were pending in the Senate Committee on
March 31, 1939. I believe that the Pittman Resolution,
which is printed first in the list, was regarded as more
satisfactory than any of the others. You will notice
that its Section 2 makes unlawful, after a proclamation
is issued, the transportation on American vessels of
passengers or any articles or materials directly or in-
directly to any state named in the proclamation. This
would, of course, apply to American vessels carrying
goods of any kind to localities that might be entirely
free of danger, as for example Canada, Vancouver, Australia
and New Zealand. There are senators and others who advocate
the "cash and carry" or "come and get it" plan, and I mention
the
The President
The White House.
- 2 -
the matter now because of feeling certain that when the
Senate Committee gets busy it will be a good deal discussed.
(3) Subsequent to March 31, 1939, there was a bill,
which is marked "C", introduced by Senator Vandenburg to
restore Section 2 of the present law, which vests a large
discretion in the President relative to placing restrictions
on the export of articles or materials in addition to arms,
ammunition and implements of war.
There was a bill which is marked "D" introduced by
Senator Gillette with a provision varying that contained
in the Pittman measure relative to "Areas of Combat Operation".
(4) Marked "E". is the Bloom Bill passed by the House
and which I suppose will be made the basis of consideration
of the subject by the Senate Committee. Unlike the Pittman
Resolution it does not repeal the arms embargo. On that
point it rather absurdly retains the embargo of "arms and
ammunition", omitting "implements of war".
(5) You may perhaps have occasion to look at some
of the four Resolutions pertaining to the si tuation in
Asia which are tacked together, the front one being marked
"F".
Yours very sincerely,
Enclosures:
As stated.
[PUBLIC RESOLUTION-No. 27-75TH CONGRESS]
[CHAPTER 146-1st SESSION]
[S. J. Res. 51]
JOINT RESOLUTION
To amend the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution providing for the pro-
hibition of the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war to belligerent
countries; the prohibition of the transportation of arms, ammunition, and
implements of war by vessels of the United States for the use of belligerent
states; for the registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business
of manufacturing, exporting, or importing arms, ammunition, or implements
of war; and restricting travel by American citizens on belligerent ships during
war", approved August 31, 1935, as amended.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the joint resolution
entitled "Joint resolution providing for the prohibition of the export
of arms, ammunition, and implements of war to belligerent countries;
the prohibition of the transportation of arms, ammunition, and
implements of war by vessels of the United States for the use of
belligerent states; for the registration and licensing of persons
engaged in the business of manufacturing, exporting, or importing
arms, ammunition, or implements of war; and restricting travel by
American citizens on belligerent ships during war", approved August
31, 1935, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
"EXPORT OF ARMS, AMMUNITION, AND IMPLEMENTS OF WAR
"SECTION 1. (a) Whenever the President shall find that there exists
a state of war between, or among, two or more foreign states, the
President shall proclaim such fact, and it shall thereafter be unlawful
to export, or attempt to export, or cause to be exported, arms, ammu-
nition, or implements of war from any place in the United States to
any belligerent state named in such proclamation, or to any neutral
state for transshipment to, or for the use of, any such belligerent
state.
"(b) The President shall, from time to time, by proclamation,
extend such embargo upon the export of arms, ammunition, or imple-
ments of war to other states as and when they may become involved
in such war.
(c) Whenever the President shall find that a state of civil strife
exists in a foreign state and that such civil strife is of a magnitude or
is being conducted under such conditions that the export of arms,
ammunition, or implements of war from the United States to such
foreign state would threaten or endanger the peace of the United
States, the President shall proclaim such fact, and it shall thereafter
be unlawful to export, or attempt to export, or cause to be exported,
arms, ammunition, or implements of war from any place in the United
States to such foreign state, or to any neutral state for transshipment
to, or for the use of, such foreign state.
(d) The President shall, from time to time by proclamation,
definitely enumerate the arms, ammunition, and implements of war,
2
[PUB. RES. 27.]
[PUB. RES. 27.]
3
the export of which is prohibited by this section. The arms, ammuni-
wherein civil strife exists, is necessary to promote the security or
tion, and implements of war SO enumerated shall include those enu-
preserve the peace of the United States or to protect the lives or com-
merated in the President's proclamation Numbered 2163, of April 10,
merce of citizens of the United States, he shall so proclaim, and it
1936, but shall not include raw materials or any other articles or
shall thereafter be unlawful, except under such limitations and excep-
materials not of the same general character as those enumerated in
tions as the President may prescribe as to lakes, rivers, and inland
the said proclamation, and in the Convention for the Supervision of
waters bordering on the United States, and as to transportation on
the International Trade in Arms and Ammunition and in Implements
or over land bordering on the United States, to export or transport,
of War, signed at Geneva June 17, 1925.
or attempt to export or transport, or cause to be exported or trans-
"(e) Whoever, in violation of any of the provisions of this Act,
ported, from the United States to any belligerent state, or to any state
shall export, or attempt to export, or cause to be exported, arms,
wherein civil strife exists, named in such proclamation issued under
ammunition, or implements of war from the United States shall be
the authority of section 1 of this Act, or to any neutral state for trans-
fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years,
shipment to, or for the use of, any such belligerent state or any such
or both, and the property, vessel, or vehicle containing the same shall
state wherein civil strife exists, any articles or materials whatever
be subject to the provisions of sections 1 to 8, inclusive, title 6, chapter
until all right, title, and interest therein shall have been transferred
30, of the Act approved June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 223-225; U. S. C.,
to some foreign government, agency, institution, association, partner-
1934 ed., title 22, secs. 238-245).
ship, corporation, or national. The shipper of such articles or
"(f) In the case of the forfeiture of any arms, ammunition, or
materials shall be required to file with the collector of the port from
implements of war by reason of a violation of this Act, no public or
which they are to be exported a declaration under oath that there
private sale shall be required; but such arms, ammunition, or imple-
exists in citizens of the United States no right, title, or interest in
ments of war shall be delivered to the Secretary of War for such use
such articles or materials, and to comply with such rules and regula-
or disposal thereof as shall be approved by the President of the United
tions as shall be promulgated from time to time by the President.
States.
Any such declaration so filed shall be a conclusive estoppel against
"(g) Whenever, in the judgment of the President, the conditions
any claim of any citizen of the United States of right, title, or interest
which have caused him to issue any proclamation under the authority
in such articles or materials. Insurance written by underwriters on
of this section have ceased to exist, he shall revoke the same, and the
any articles or materials the export of which is prohibited by this
provisions of this section shall thereupon cease to apply with respect
Act, or on articles or materials carried by an American vessel in vio-
to the state or states named in such proclamation, except with respect
lation of subsection (a) of this section, shall not be deemed an Ameri-
to offenses committed, or forfeitures incurred, prior to such revocation.
can interest therein, and no insurance policy issued on such articles or
materials and no loss incurred thereunder or by the owner of the
"EXPORT OF OTHER ARTICLES AND MATERIALS
vessel carrying the same shall be made a basis of any claim put for-
"Sec. 2. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued a procla-
ward by the Government of the United States.
mation under the authority of section 1 of this Act and he shall there-
"(c) The President shall from time to time by proclamation extend
after find that the placing of restrictions on the shipment of certain
such restrictions as are imposed under the authority of this section to
articles or materials in addition to arms, ammunition, and implements
other states as and when they may be declared to become belligerent
of war from the United States to belligerent states, or to a state
states under proclamations issued under the authority of section 1 of
wherein civil strife exists, is necessary to promote the security or
this Act.
preserve the peace of the United States or to protect the lives of
"(d) The President may from time to time change, modify, or
citizens of the United States, he shall so proclaim, and it shall there-
revoke in whole or in part any proclamations issued by him under the
after be unlawful, except under such limitations and exceptions as the
authority of this section.
President may prescribe as to lakes, rivers, and inland waters border-
"(e) Except with respect to offenses committed, or forfeitures
ing on the United States, and as to transportation on or over lands
incurred, prior to May 1, 1939, this section and all proclamations
bordering on the United States, for any American vessel to carry such
issued thereunder shall not be effective after May 1, 1939.
articles or materials to any belligerent state, or to any state wherein
"FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
civil strife exists, named in such proclamation issued under the
authority of section 1 of this Act, or to any neutral state for trans-
"Sec. 3. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued a procla-
shipment to, or for the use of, any such belligerent state or any such
mation under the authority of section 1 of this Act, it shall there-
state wherein civil strife exists. The President shall by proclamation
after be unlawful for any person within the United States to pur-
from time to time definitely enumerate the articles and materials
chase, sell, or exchange bonds, securities, or other obligations of the
which it shall be unlawful for American vessels to so transport.
government of any belligerent state or of any state wherein civil
"(b) Whenever the President shall have issued a proclamation
strife exists, named in such proclamation, or of any political sub-
under the authority of section 1 of this Act and he shall thereafter
division of any such state, or of any person acting for or on behalf
find that the placing of restrictions on the export of articles or
of the government of any such state, or of any faction or asserted
materials from the United States to belligerent states, or to a state
government within any such state wherein civil strife exists, or of
4
[PUB. RES. 27.1
[PUB. RES. 27.]
5
any person acting for or on behalf of any faction or asserted govern-
is vested in the Department of State. The Secretary of State shall
ment within any such state wherein civil strife exists, issued after
promulgate such rules and regulations with regard to the enforce-
the date of such proclamation, or to make any loan or extend any
ment of this section as he may deem necessary to carry out its pro-
credit to any such government, political subdivision, faction, asserted
visions. The Board shall be convened by the chairman and shall
government, or person, or to solicit or receive any contribution for
hold at least one meeting a year.
any such government, political subdivision, faction, asserted govern-
"(b) Every person who engages in the business of manufacturing,
ment, or person: Provided, That if the President shall find that such
exporting, or importing any of the arms, ammunition, or imple-
action will serve to protect the commercial or other interests of the
ments of war referred to in this Act, whether as an exporter, im-
United States or its citizens, he may, in his discretion, and to such
porter, manufacturer, or dealer, shall register with the Secretary of
extent and under such regulations as he may prescribe, except from
State his name, or business name, principal place of business, and
the operation of this section ordinary commercial credits and short-
places of business in the United States, and a list of the arms, ammu-
time obligations in aid of legal transactions and of a character cus-
nition, and implements of war which he manufactures, imports, or
tomarily used in normal peacetime commercial transactions. Noth-
exports.
ing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the solicitation
(c) Every person required to register under this section shall
or collection of funds to be used for medical aid and assistance, or
notify the Secretary of State of any change in the arms, ammunition,
for food and clothing to relieve human suffering, when such solici-
or implements of war which he exports, imports, or manufactures;
tation or collection of funds is made on behalf of and for use by any
and upon such notification the Secretary of State shall issue to such
person or organization which is not acting for or on behalf of any
person an amended certificate of registration, free of charge, which
such government, political subdivision, faction, or asserted govern-
shall remain valid until the date of expiration of the original cer-
ment, but all such solicitations and collections of funds shall be
tificate. Every person required to register under the provisions of
subject to the approval of the President and shall be made under
this section shall pay a registration fee of $500, unless he manufac-
such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe.
tured, exported, or imported arms, ammunition, and implements of
'(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a renewal or
war to a total sales value of less than $50,000 during the twelve
adjustment of such indebtedness as may exist on the date of the
months immediately preceding his registration, in which case he shall
President's proclamation.
pay a registration fee of $100. Upon receipt of the required regis-
"(c) Whoever shall violate the provisions of this section or of any
tration fee, the Secretary of State shall issue a registration certificate
regulations issued hereunder shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined
valid for five years, which shall be renewable for further periods of
not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years,
five years upon the payment for each renewal of a fee of $500 in the
or both. Should the violation be by a corporation, organization, or
case of persons who manufactured, exported, or imported arms, am-
association, each officer or agent thereof participating in the viola-
munition, and implements of war to a total sales value of more than
tion may be liable to the penalty herein prescribed.
$50,000 during the twelve months immediately preceding the renewal,
(d) Whenever the President shall have revoked any such procla-
or a fee of $100 in the case of persons who manufactured, exported,
mation issued under the authority of section 1 of this Act, the pro-
or imported arms, ammunition, and implements of war to a total
visions of this section and of any regulations issued by the President
sales value of less than $50,000 during the twelve months immediately
hereunder shall thereupon cease to apply with respect to the state
preceding the renewal. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby
or states named in such proclamation, except with respect to offenses
directed to refund, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise
committed prior to such revocation.
appropriated, the sum of $400 to every person who shall have paid a
registration fee of $500 pursuant to this Act, who manufactured,
"EXCEPTIONS-AMERICAN REPUBLICS
exported, or imported arms, ammunition, and implements of war to
"Sec. 4. This Act shall not apply to an American republic or
a total sales value of less than $50,000 during the twelve months
republics engaged in war against a non-American state or states,
immediately preceding his registration.
provided the American republic is not cooperating with a non-
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to export, or attempt to
American state or states in such war.
export, from the United States to any other state, any of the arms,
ammunition, or implements of war referred to in this Act, or to
"NATIONAL MUNITIONS CONTROL BOARD
import, or attempt to import, to the United States from any other
state, any of the arms, ammunition, or implements of war referred
"SEC. 5. (a) There is hereby established a National Munitions
to in this Act, without first having obtained a license therefor.
Control Board (hereinafter referred to as the 'Board') to carry out
"(e) All persons required to register under this section shall main-
the provisions of this Act. The Board shall consist of the Secretary
tain, subject to the inspection of the Secretary of State, or any per-
of State, who shall be chairman and executive officer of the Board,
son or persons designated by him, such permanent records of manu-
the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, the Secretary
facture for export, importation, and exportation of arms, ammuni-
of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce. Except as otherwise
tion, and implements of war as the Secretary of State shall prescribe.
provided in this Act, or by other law, the administration of this Act
6
[PUB. Rxs. 27.1
[PUB. RES. 27.)
7
"(f) Licenses shall be issued to persons who have registered as
or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and, in addition, such
herein provided for, except in cases of export or import licenses
vessel, and her tackle, apparel, furniture, and equipment, and the
where the export of arms, ammunition, or implements of war would
arms, ammunition, and implements of war on board, shall be forfeited
be in violation of this Act or any other law of the United States, or
to the United States.
of a treaty to which the United States is a party, in which cases such
licenses shall not be issued.
"USE OF AMERICAN PORTS AS BASE OF SUPPLY
"(g) Whenever the President shall have issued a proclamation
under the authority of section 1 of this Act, all licenses theretofore
"SEC. 7. (a) Whenever, during any war in which the United States
issued under this Act shall ipso facto and immediately upon the
is neutral, the President, or any person thereunto authorized by him,
issuance of such proclamation, cease to grant authority to export
shall have cause to believe that any vessel, domestic or foreign,
arms, ammunition, or implements of war from any place in the
whether requiring clearance or not, is about to carry out of a port of
United States to any belligerent state, or to any state wherein civil
the United States, fuel, men, arms, ammunition, implements of war,
strife exists, named in such proclamation, or to any neutral state for
or other supplies to any warship, tender, or supply ship of a bellig-
transshipment to, or for the use of, any such belligerent state or any
erent state, but the evidence is not deemed sufficient to justify forbid-
such state wherein civil strife exists; and said licenses, insofar as the
ding the departure of the vessel as provided for by section 1, title v,
grant of authority to export to the state or states named in such
chapter 30, of the Act approved June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 217, 221;
proclamation is concerned, shall be null and void.
U. S. C., 1934 ed., title 18, sec. 31), and if, in the President's judgment,
"(h) No purchase of arms, ammunition, or implements of war shall
such action will serve to maintain peace between the United States
be made on behalf of the United States by any officer, executive
and foreign states, or to protect the commercial interests of the United
department, or independent establishment of the Government from
States and its citizens, or to promote the security or neutrality of the
any person who shall have failed to register under the provisions of
United States, he shall have the power and it shall be his duty to
this Act.
require the owner, master, or person in command thereof, before
"(i) The provisions of the Act of August 29, 1916, relating to the
departing from a port of the United States, to give a bond to the
sale of ordnance and stores to the Government of Cuba (39 Stat. 619,
United States, with sufficient sureties, in such amount as he shall deem
643; U. S. C., 1934 ed., title 50, sec. 72), are hereby repealed as of
proper, conditioned that the vessel will not deliver the men, or any
December 31, 1937.
part of the cargo, to any warship, tender, or supply ship of a bellig-
"(j) The Board shall make an annual report to Congress, copies
erent state.
of which shall be distributed as are other reports transmitted to
"(b) If the President, or any person thereunto authorized by him,
Congress. Such reports shall contain such information and data col-
shall find that a vessel, domestic or foreign, in a port of the United
lected by the Board as may be considered of value in the determination
States, has previously cleared from a port of the United States during
of questions connected with the control of trade in arms, ammunition,
such war and delivered its cargo or any part thereof to a warship,
and implements of war. The Board shall include in such reports a
tender, or supply ship of a belligerent state, he may prohibit the
list of all persons required to register under the provisions of this
departure of such vessel during the duration of the war.
Act, and full information concerning the licenses issued hereunder.
"SUBMARINES AND ARMED MERCHANT VESSELS
"(k) The President is hereby authorized to proclaim upon recom-
mendation of the Board from time to time a list of articles which
"SEC. 8. Whenever, during any war in which the United States is
shall be considered arms, ammunition, and implements of war for the
neutral, the President shall find that special restrictions placed on
purposes of this section.
the use of the ports and territorial waters of the United States by
the submarines or armed merchant vessels of a foreign state, will
"AMERICAN VESSELS PROHIBITED FROM CARRYING ARMS TO BELLIGERENT
serve to maintain peace between the United States and foreign states,
STATES
or to protect the commercial interests of the United States and its
citizens, or to promote the security of the United States, and shall
"SEC. 6. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued a procla-
make proclamation thereof, it shall thereafter be unlawful for any
mation under the authority of section 1 of this Act, it shall thereafter
such submarine or armed merchant vessel to enter a port or the
be unlawful, until such proclamation is revoked, for any American
territorial waters of the United States or to depart therefrom, except
vessel to carry any arms, ammunition, or implements of war to any
under such conditions and subject to such limitations as the President
belligerent state, or to any state wherein civil strife exists, named in
may prescribe. Whenever, in his judgment, the conditions which
such proclamation, or to any neutral state for transshipment to, or
have caused him to issue his proclamation have ceased to exist, he
for the use of, any such belligerent state or any such state wherein
shall revoke his proclamation and the provisions of this section shall
civil strife exists.
thereupon cease to apply.
"(b) Whoever, in violation of the provisions of this section, shall
take, or attempt to take, or shall authorize, hire, or solicit another to
"TRAVEL ON VESSELS OF BELLIGERENT STATES
take, any American vessel carrying such cargo out of port or from the
"SEC. 9. Whenever the President shall have issued a proclamation
jurisdiction of the United States shall be fined not more than $10,000,
under the authority of section 1 of this Act it shall thereafter be
8
[Pus. RES. 27.]
[PUB. RES. 27.]
9
unlawful for any citizen of the United States to travel on any vessel
of the state or states named in such proclamation, except in accord-
"(d) The term 'American vessel' means any vessel (including air-
ance with such rules and regulations as the President shall prescribe:
craft) documented under the laws of the United States.
Provided, however, That the provisions of this section shall not
"(e) The term 'vehicle' means every description of carriage (includ-
apply to a citizen of the United States traveling on a vessel whose
ing aircraft) or other contrivance used, or capable of being used, as
voyage was begun in advance of the date of the President's procla-
a means of transportation on or over land.
mation, and who had no opportunity to discontinue his voyage after
"(f) The term 'state' shall include nation, government, and country.
that date: And provided further, That they shall not apply under
"SEPARABILITY OF PROVISIONS
ninety days after the date of the President's proclamation to a citizen
of the United States returning from a foreign state to the United
"Sec. 14. If any of the provisions of this Act, or the application
States. Whenever, in the President's judgment, the conditions which
thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder
have caused him to issue his proclamation have ceased to exist, he
of the Act, and the application of such provision to other persons or
shall revoke his proclamation and the provisions of this section shall
circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.
thereupon cease to apply with respect to the state or states named
in such proclamation, except with respect to offenses committed prior
"APPROPRIATIONS
to such revocation.
"SEC. 15. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated from time
"ARMING OF AMERICAN MERCHANT VESSELS PROHIBITED
to time, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated,
such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions and
"Sec. 10. Whenever the President shall have issued a proclamation
accomplish the purposes of this Act."
under the authority of section 1, it shall thereafter be unlawful,
Approved, May 1, 1937, 6.30 p. m., Central Standard Time.
until such proclamation is revoked, for any American vessel engaged
in commerce with any belligerent state, or any state wherein civil
strife exists, named in such proclamation, to be armed or to carry
any armament, arms, ammunition, or implements of war, except
small arms and ammunition therefor which the President may deem
necessary and shall publicly designate for the preservation of disci-
pline aboard such vessels.
"REGULATIONS
"Sec. 11. The President may, from time to time, promulgate such
rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as may be necessary
and proper to carry out any of the provisions of this Act; and he may
exercise any power or authority conferred on him by this Act through
such officer or officers, or agency or agencies, as he shall direct.
"GENERAL PENALTY PROVISION
"Sec. 12. In every case of the violation of any of the provisions of
this Act or of any rule or regulation issued pursuant thereto where a
specific penalty is not herein provided, such violator or violators, upon
conviction, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not
more than five years, or both.
"DEFINITIONS
"Sec. 13. For the purposes of this Act-
"(a) The term 'United States', when used in a geographical sense,
includes the several States and Territories, the insular possessions of
the United States (including the Philippine Islands), the Canal Zone,
and the District of Columbia.
"(b) The term 'person' includes a partnership, company, associa-
tion, or corporation, as well as a natural person.
(c) The term 'vessel' means every description of watercraft
(including aircraft) or other contrivance used, or capable of being
used, as a means of transportation on, under, or over water.
[COMMITTEE PRINT]
B-
MARCH 31, 1939
Text of
Legislation Relating to
Neutrality, Peace, and Our
Foreign Policy
PENDING IN THE
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
UNITED STATES SENATE
Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Relations
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1939
СТИЛЯ SETTIMMOST
eser J8 НОЯАМ
S.J.RES.97
to txeT
of guitsled noitsfaigal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
S. J. Res. 97
Peace Act of 1939, amendment in the nature of a sub-
mO brus
stitute, introduced by Mr. PITTMAN
1
S.J. Res. 106
To amend the Neutrality Act, introduced by Mr. NYE,
Mr. BONE, and Mr. CLARK of Missouri
17
vilo
S. J. Res. 21
To prohibit shipment of munitions from the United
States, introduced by Mr. NYE
23
S. J. Res. 67.
To amend the Neutrality Act, introduced by Mr.
THOMAS of Utah
27
S. 203
To repeal the Neutrality Act, introduced by Mr.
KINO
29
S. 1745
To repeal the neutrality laws, introduced by Mr.
LEWIS
31
SHT VS 0710339
S. Con. Res. 8.
Relating to the control of munitions, introduced by
Mr. SHEPPARD
33
аиоталия ИОШЛОМ no
III
STATES антлте
emolish an astimmmeD will In USA adi benin't
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. J. RES. 97
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
MARCH 20 (legislative day, MARCH 16), 1939
Mr. PITTMAN introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice
and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
JOINT RESOLUTION
To be known as the "Peace Act of 1939."
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
4 PROCLAMATION OF ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN FOREIGN
5
STATES
6
SECTION 1. (a) That whenever any foreign state or
7 states declare a state of war to exist between or among two
8 or more foreign states, the President shall issue a proclama-
9 tion naming the states involved. Whenever the Congress
10 shall by concurrent resolution find, or whenever the President
11 shall find that there exists an undeclared state of war be-
3
2
1 tween or among two or more foreign states the President
1 required to file with the collector of the port from which they
2 shall forthwith proclaim such fact, naming the states involved.
2 are to be exported a declaration under oath that there exists
3 The President shall from time to time, by proclamation,
3 in citizens of the United States no right, title, or interest in
4 name other states as and when they may become involved in
4 such articles or materials, and to comply with such rules and
5 regulations as shall be promulgated from time to time by the
5 such war.
(b) Whenever the conditions which have caused the
6 President. Any such declaration so filed shall be a conclu-
6
7 President to issue any proclamation under the authority of
7 sive estoppel against any claim of any citizen of the United
8 this section have ceased to exist, he shall revoke the same by
8 States of right, title, or interest in such articles or materials.
9
(c) Insurance written by underwriters on articles or
9 proclamation.
10 COMMERCE WITH STATES ENGAGED IN ARMED CONFLICT
10 materials included in shipments which are subject to restric-
SEC. 2. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
11 tions under the provisions of this Act, and on vessels carrying
11
12 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a) it shall
12 such shipments shall not be deemed an American interest
13 thereafter be unlawful for any American vessel to carry
13 therein, and no insurance policy issued on such articles or
14 any passengers or any articles or materials, directly or
14 materials, or vessels, and no loss incurred thereunder or by
15 indirectly, to any state named in the proclamation.
15 the owners of such vessels, shall be made the basis of any
16
(b) Whenever the President shall have issued a
16 claim put forward by the Government of the United States.
17
17 proclamation or proclamations under the authority of section
(d) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
18 1 (a) it shall thereafter be unlawful to export or transport,
18 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 (a) the
19 or attempt to export or transport, or cause to be exported or
19 provisions of this section shall thereupon cease to apply in
20 transported, from the United States, directly or indirectly, to
20 respect to the state or states named in such proclamation,
21 any state named in the proclamation or proclamations, any
21 except with respect to offenses committed prior to such
22 revocation.
22 articles or materials until all right, title, and interest therein
23
AREAS OF COMBAT OPERATIONS
23 shall have been transferred to some foreign government,
24
SEO. 3. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
24 agency, institution, association, partnership, corporation, or
25 national. The shipper of such articles or materials shall be
25 a proclamation or proclamations under the authority of sec-
5
1 tion 1 (a), and he shall thereafter find that the protection
1
TRAVEL ON VESSELS OF FOREIGN STATES
2 of citizens of the United States so requires, he shall issue a
2
SEC. 5. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
3 proclamation, whereupon it shall be unlawful, except under
3 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a) it shall
4 such limitations and exceptions as the President may pre-
4 thereafter be unlawful for any citizen of the United States to
5 scribe, for citizens of the United States or vessels flying the
5 travel on any vessel of the state or states named in such
6 flag of the United States to proceed through any areas defined
6 proclamation: Provided, however, (1) That the provisions
7 from time to time by the President to be areas of combat
7 of this section shall not apply to a citizen of the United States
8 operations and so specified in his proclamation.
8 traveling on a vessel whose voyage was begun in advance of
9
(b) The President may from time to time modify or
9 the date of the President's proclamation, and who had no
10 extend his proclamation or proclamations, and when the con-
10 opportunity to discontinue his voyage after that date; (2)
11 ditions which have caused him to issue his proclamation or
11 that they shall not apply under ninety days after the date of
12 proclamations have ceased to exist he shall revoke the same
12 the President's proclamation to a citizen of the United States
13 and the provisions of this section shall thereupon cease to
13 returning from a foreign state to the United States; and (3)
14 apply.
14 that they shall not apply to officers, agents, and employees
15
RED CROSS AND OTHER EXCEPTIONS
15 of the Government of the United States traveling on official
16
SEC. 4. The provisions of sections 2 and 3 shall not
16 business under specific authorization by the President.
17 apply to travel and trade on or over lands, lakes, rivers, and
17
Whenever the President shall have revoked any procla-
18 inland waters bordering on the United States where no armed
18 mation issued under the authority of section 1 (a) the pro-
19 conflict exists as herein defined. Furthermore, these pro-
19 visions of this section shall thereupon cease to apply with
20 visions shall not prohibit the transportation by vessels under
20 respect to the state or states named in such proclamation,
21 charter or other direction and control of the Red Cross,
21 except with respect to offenses committed prior to such
22 proceeding under safe conduct granted by States engaged in
22 revocation.
23 armed conflict, of officers and Red Cross personnel, medical
23 ARMING OF AMERICAN MERCHANT VESSELS PROHIBITED
24 personnel and medical supplies, food, and clothing, for the
24
SEC. 6. Whenever the President shall have issued a
25 relief of human suffering.
25 proclamation under the authority of section 1, it shall there-
6
7
1 after be unlawful, until such proclamation is revoked, for any
1 of legal transactions and of a character customarily used in
2 American vessel, engaged in commerce with any foreign
2 normal peacetime commercial transactions.
3 state, or in any combat area, to be armed or to carry any
3
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a
4 armament, arms, ammunition, or implements of war, except
4 renewal or adjustment of such indebtedness as may exist
5 small arms and ammunition therefor, which the President
5 on the date of the President's proclamation.
6 may deem necessary and shall publicly designate for the
6
(c) Whoever shall violate the provisions of this section
7 preservation of discipline aboard such vessels.
7 or of any regulations issued hereunder shall, upon conviction
8
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
8 thereof, be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for
9
SEC. 7. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
9 not more than five years, or both. Should the violation be
10 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a), it shall
10 by a corporation, organization, or association, each officer
11 thereafter be unlawful for any person within the United
11 or agent thereof participating in the violation may be liable
12 States to purchase, sell, or exchange bonds, securities, or
12 to the penalty herein prescribed.
13 other obligations of the government of any state named
13
(d) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
14 in such proclamation, or of any political subdivision of
14 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 (a),
15 any such state, or of any person acting for or on behalf
15 the provisions of this section and of any regulations issued
16 of the government of any such state, issued after the date
16 by the President hereunder shall thereupon cease to apply
17 of such proclamation, or to make any loan or extend any
17 with respect to the state or states named in such proclama-
18 credit to any such government, political subdivision, or
18 tion, except with respect to offenses committed prior to such
19 person: Provided, That if the President shall find that such
19 revocation.
20 action will serve to protect the commercial or other interests
20
SOLICITATION AND COLLECTION OF FUNDS
21 of the United States or its citizens, he may, in his discretion,
21
SEC. 8. Whenever the President shall have issued a
22 and to such extent and under such regulations as he may
22 proclamation or proclamations under the authority of sec-
23 prescribe, except from the operation of this section ordi-
23 tion 1 (a), it shall thereafter be unlawful for any person
24 nary commercial credits and short-time obligations in aid
24 within the United States to solicit or receive any contribu-
8
9
1 tion for or on behalf of the government of any state or agent,
1 unto authorized by him, shall have cause to believe that any
2 instrumentality, or supporter, named in the proclamation.
2 vessel, domestic or foreign, whether requiring clearance or
3
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit
3 not, is about to carry out of a port of the United States, fuel,
4 the solicitation or collection of funds to be used for medical
4 men, arms, ammunition, implements of war, or other sup-
5 aid and assistance, or for food and clothing to relieve human
5 plies to any warship, tender, or supply ship of a belligerent
6 suffering, when such solicitation or collection of funds is made
6 state, but the evidence is not deemed sufficient to justify
7 on behalf of and for use by any person or organization which
7 forbidding the departure of the vessel as provided for by
8 is not acting for or on behalf or in aid of any such govern-
8 section 1, title V, chapter 30, of the Act approved June 15,
9 ment, but all such solicitations and collections of funds shall
9 1917 (40 Stat. 217, 221; U. S. C., 1934 edition, title 18,
10 be subject to the approval of the President and shall be
10 sec. 31), and if, in the President's judgment, such action
11 made under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe.
11 will serve to maintain peace between the United States and
12
(b) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
12 foreign states, or to protect the commercial interests of the
13 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 (a), the
13 United States and its citizens, or to promote the security or
14 provisions of this section and of any regulations issued by
14 neutrality of the United States, he shall have the power
15 the President hereunder shall thereupon cease to apply with
15 and it shall be his duty to require the owner, master, or
16 respect to the states named in such proclamation, except with
16 person in command thereof, before departing from a port of
17 respect to offenses committed prior to such revocation.
17 the United States, to give a bond to the United States, with
18
AMERICAN REPUBLICS
18 sufficient sureties, in such amount as he shall deem proper,
19
SEC. 9. This Act shall not apply to an American repub-
19 conditioned that the vessel will not deliver the men, or any
20 lic or republics engaged in war against a non-American
20 part of the cargo, to any warship, tender, or supply ship of
21 state or states, provided the American republic is not coop-
21 a belligerent state.
22
22 erating with a non-American state or states in such war.
(b) If the President, or any person thereunto author-
23
USE OF AMERICAN PORTS AS BASE OF SUPPLIES
23 ized by him, shall find that a vessel, domestic or foreign, in
24
SEC. 10. (a) Whenever, during any war in which the
24 a port of the United States, has previously cleared from a
25 United States is neutral, the President, or any person there-
25 port of the United States during such war and delivered its
10
11
1 cargo or any part thereof to a warship, tender, or supply
1 who shall be chairman and executive officer of the Board,
2 ship of a belligerent state, he may prohibit the departure of
2 the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, the
3 such vessel during the duration of the war.
3 Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce.
4
SUBMARINES AND ARMED MERCHANT VESSELS
4 Except as otherwise provided in this Act, or by other law,
5
SEC. 11. Whenever, during any war in which the
5 the administration of this Act is vested in the Department
6 United States is neutral, the President shall find that special
6 of State. The Secretary of State shall promulgate such rules
7 restrictions placed on the use of the ports and territorial
7 and regulations with regard to the enforcement of this section
8 waters of the United States by the submarines or armed
8 as he may deem necessary to carry out its provisions. The
9 merchant vessels of a foreign state, will serve to maintain
9 Board shall be convened by the chairman and shall hold at
10 peace between the United States and foreign states, or to
10 least one meeting a year.
11 protect the commercial interests of the United States and its
11
(b) Every person who engages in the business of
12 citizens, or to promote the security of the United States,
12 manufacturing, exporting, or importing any of the arms,
13 and shall make proclamation thereof, it shall thereafter be
13 ammunition, or implements of war referred to in this Act,
14 unlawful for any such submarine or armed merchant vessel
14 whether as an exporter, importer, manufacturer, or dealer,
15 to enter a port or the territorial waters of the United States
15 shall register with the Secretary of State his name, or busi-
16 or to depart therefrom, except under such conditions and
16 ness name, principal place of business, and places of business
17 subject to such limitations as the President may prescribe.
17 in the United States, and a list of the arms, ammunition,
18 Whenever, in his judgment, the conditions which have
18 and implements of war which he manufactures, imports,
19 caused him to issue his proclamation have ceased to exist,
19 or exports.
20 he shall revoke his proclamation and the provisions of this
20
(c) Every person required to register under this sec-
21 section shall thereupon cease to apply.
21 tion shall notify the Secretary of State of any change in the
22
NATIONAL MUNITIONS CONTROL BOARD
22 arms, ammunition, or implements of war which he exports,
23
SEC. 12. (a) There is hereby established a National
23 imports, or manufactures; and upon such notification the
24 Munitions Control Board (hereinafter referred to as the
24 Secretary of State shall issue to such person an amended
25 "Board"). The Board shall consist of the Secretary of State,
25 certificate of registration, free of charge, which shall remain
12
13
1 valid until the date of expiration of the original certificate.
1 United States is a party, in which cases such licenses shall
2 Every person required to register under the provisions of
2 not be issued.
3 this section shall pay a registration fee of $100. Upon
3
(g) No purchase of arms, ammunition, or implements
4 receipt of the required registration fee, the Secretary of State
4 of war shall be made on behalf of the United States by any
5 shall issue a registration certificate valid for five years, which
5 officer, executive department, or independent establishment
6 shall be renewable for further periods of five years upon
6 of the Government from any person who shall have failed to
3 the payment for each renewal of a fee of $100.
7 register under the provisions of this Act.
8
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to export, or
8
(h) The provisions of the Act of August 29, 1916, re-
9 attempt to export, from the United States to any other
9 lating to the sale of ordnance and stores to the Government of
10 state, any of the arms, ammunition, or implements of war
10 Cuba (39 Stat. 619, 643; U. S. C., 1934 edition, title 50,
11 referred to in this Act, or to import, or attempt to import,
11 sec. 72), are hereby repealed as of December 31, 1937.
12 to the United States from any other state, any of the arms,
12
(i) The Board shall make an annual report to Congress,
13 ammunition, or implements of war referred to in this Act,
13 copies of which shall be distributed as are other reports trans-
14 without first having obtained a license therefor.
14 mitted to Congress. Such reports shall contain such infor-
15
(e) All persons required to register under this section
15 mation and data collected by the Board as may be considered
16 shall maintain, subject to the inspection of the Secretary of
16 of value in the determination of questions connected with the
17 State, or any person or persons designated by him, such per-
17 control of trade in arms, ammunition, and implements of war.
18 manent records of manufacture for export, importation, and
18 The Board shall include in such reports a list of all persons
19 exportation of arms, ammunition, and implements of war as
19 required to register under the provisions of this Act, and full
20 the Secretary of State shall prescribe.
20 information concerning the licenses issued hereunder.
21
(f) Licenses shall be issued to persons who have regis-
21
(j) The President is hereby authorized to proclaim
22 tered as herein provided for, except in cases of export or
22 upon recommendation of the Board from time to time a list
23 import licenses where the export of arms, ammunition, or
23 of articles which shall be considered arms, ammunition, and
24 implements of war would be in violation of this Act or any
24 implements of war for the purposes of this section.
25 other law of the United States, or of a treaty to which the
J. 138502-2
14
15
1
REGULATIONS
1 capable of being used, as a means of transportation on, under,
2
Sec. 13. The President may, from time to time, pro-
2 or over water.
3 mulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law,
3
(d) The term "American vessel" means any vessel
4 as may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the provi-
4 (including aircraft) documented under the laws of the United
5 sions of this Act; and he may exercise any power or authority
5 States.
6 conferred on him by this Act through such officer or officers,
6
(e) The term "vehicle" means every description of car-
7 or agency or agencies, as he shall direct.
7 riage (including aircraft) or other contrivance used, or
8
GENERAL PENALTY PROVISION
8 capable of being used, as a means of transportation on or
9
SEC. 14. In every case of the violation of any of the
9 over land.
10 provisions of this Act or of any rule or regulation issued pur-
10
(f) The term "state" shall include nation, government,
11 suant thereto where a specific penalty is not herein provided,
11 and country.
12 such violator or violators, upon conviction, shall be fined not
12
SEPARABILITY OF PROVISIONS
13 more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years,
13
SEC. 16. If any of the provisions of this Act, or the
14 or both.
14 application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held
15
DEFINITIONS
15 invalid, the remainder of the Act, and the application of such
16
SEC. 15. For the purposes of this Act-
16 provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be
17
(a) The term "United States", when used in a geo-
17 affected thereby.
18 graphical sense, includes the several States and Territories,
18
APPROPRIATIONS
19 the insular possessions of the United States (including the
19
SEC. 17. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated
20 Philippine Islands), the Canal Zone, and the District of
20 from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury not
21 Columbia.
21 otherwise appropriated, such amounts as may be necessary
22
(b) The term "person" includes a partnership, com-
22 to carry out the provisions and accomplish the purposes of
23 pany, association, or corporation, as well as a natural person.
23 this Act.
24
(c) The term "vessel" means every description of
25 watercraft (including aircraft) or other contrivance used, or
16
17
1
REPEAL OF ACTS OF 1935, 1936, 1937
2
SEC. 18. The Act of August 31, 1935 (Public Resolu-
3 tion Numbered 67, Seventy-fourth Congress), as amended
76TH CONGRESS
4 by the Act of February 29, 1936 (Public Resolution Num-
1ST SESSION
S. J. RES. 106
5 bered 74, Seventy-fourth Congress), and the Act of May 1,
6 1937 (Public Resolution Numbered 27, Seventy-fifth Con-
7 gress), and the Act of January 8, 1937 (Public Resolution
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
8 Numbered 1, Seventy-fifth Congress), are hereby repealed.
MARCH 28, 1939
Mr. NYE (for himself, Mr. BONE, and Mr. CLARK of Missouri) introduced the
following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Foreign Relations
JOINT RESOLUTION
To amend the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution provid-
ing for the prohibition of the export of arms, ammunition,
and implements of war to belligerent countries; the prohibi-
tion of the transportation of arms, ammunition, and imple-
ments of war by vessels of the United States for the use of
belligerent states; for the registration and licensing of persons
engaged in the business of manufacturing, exporting, or
importing arms, ammunition, or implements of war; and
restricting travel by American citizens on belligerent ships
during war", approved August 31, 1935, as amended.
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That subsection (a) of section 1 of the joint resolution
4 entitled "Joint resolution providing for the prohibition of
18
19
1 the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war
1 nitude or is being conducted under such conditions that the
2 to belligerent countries; the prohibition of the transportation
2 export of arms, ammunition, or implements of war from the
3 of arms, ammunition, and implements of war by vessels of
3 United States to such foreign state would threaten or en-
4 the United States for the use of belligerent states; for the
4 danger the peace of the United States, the President shall
5 registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business
5 forthwith proclaim such fact, and it shall thereafter be un-
6 of manufacturing, exporting, or importing arms, ammunition,
6 lawful to export, or attempt to export, or cause to be ex-
7 or implements of war; and restricting travel by American
7 ported, arms, ammunition, or implements of war from any
8 citizens on belligerent ships during war", approved August
8 place in the United States to such foreign state, or to any
9 31, 1935, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
9 neutral state for transshipment to, or for the use of, such
10
"SECTION 1. (a) Whenever the Congress shall by joint
10 foreign state."
11 resolution find or whenever the President shall find that
11
SEC. 3. Section 2 of such joint resolution of August 31,
12 there exists a state of war between, or among, two or more
12 1935, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
13 foreign states, the President shall forthwith proclaim such
13
"SEC. 2. Whenever the President shall have issued a
14 fact, and it shall thereafter be unlawful to export, or attempt
14 proclamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act
15 to export, or cause to be exported, arms, ammunition, or
15 it shall thereafter be unlawful, except under such limitations
16 implements of war from any place in the United States to
16 and exceptions as the President may prescribe as to lakes,
17 any belligerent state named in such proclamation, or to any
17 rivers, and inland waters bordering on the United States,
18 neutral state for transshipment to, or for the use of, any
18 and as to transportation on or over lands bordering on the
19 such belligerent state."
19 United States, to export or transport, or attempt to export
20
SEC. 2. Subsection (c) of section 1 of such joint reso-
20 or transport, or cause to be exported or transported, from the
21 lution of August 31, 1935, as amended, is amended to read
21 United States to any belligerent state, or to any state wherein
22 as follows:
22 civil strife exists, named in such proclamation, or to any
23
(c) Whenever the Congress shall by joint resolution or
23 neutral state for transshipment to, or for the use of, any such
24 whenever the President shall find that a state of civil strife
24 belligerent state or any such state wherein civil strife exists,
25 exists in a foreign state and that such civil strife is of a mag-
25 any articles or materials whatever until all right, title, and
20
21
1 interest therein shall have been transferred to some foreign
1
SEC. 4. Subsection (a) of section 6 of such joint resolu-
2 government, agency, institution, association, partnership,
2 tion of August 31, 1935, as amended, is amended to read
3 corporation, or national. Every person who exports or
3 as follows:
4 transports any articles or materials from the United States
4
(a) Whenever the President shall have issued a proc-
5 to any such state shall be required to file with the collector
5 lamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act, it shall
6 of the port from which they are to be exported or transported
6 thereafter be unlawful, until such proclamation is revoked,
7 a declaration under oath that there exists in citizens of the
7 for any American vessel to carry any arms, ammunition, or
8 United States no right, title, or interest in such articles
8 implements of war, or any other articles or materials what-
9 or materials, and to comply with such rules and regulations
9 ever, to any belligerent state, or to any state wherein civil
10 as shall be promulgated from time to time by the President.
10 strife exists, named in such proclamation, or to any neutral
11 Any such declaration so filed shall be a conclusive estoppel
11 state for transshipment to, or for the use of, any such bel-
12 against any claim of any citizen of the United States of
12 ligerent state or any such state wherein civil strife exists."
13 right, title, or interest in such articles or materials. Insur-
13
SEC. 5. Section 9 of such joint resolution, as amended,
14 ance written by underwriters on any articles or materials
14 is amended by striking out the following: ", except in
15 the export of which is prohibited by this Act, or on any
15 accordance with such rules and regulations as the President
16 articles or materials exported or transported in violation of
16 shall prescribe".
17 this section, or on any vessel or vehicle carrying any such
17
SEO. 6. Section 10 of such joint resolution of August
18 articles or materials, shall not be deemed an American inter-
18 31, 1935, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
19 est therein, and no insurance policy issued on any such
19
"SEC. 10. Whenever the President shall have issued a
20 articles or materials or on any such vessel or vehicle, and
20 proclamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act,
21 no loss incurred under any such insurance policy or by the
21 it shall thereafter be unlawful, until such proclamation is
22 owner of the vessel or vehicle carrying any such articles or
22 revoked, for any American vessel engaged in commerce to
23 materials, shall be made a basis of any claim put forward by
23 be armed or to carry any armament, arms, ammunition, or
24 the Government of the United States."
24 implements of war, except small arms and ammunition
22
23
1 therefor which the President may deem necessary and shall
vita
2 publicly designate for the preservation of discipline aboard
3 such vessels."
&
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
wind
S. TO J. RES. 21
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JANUARY 4, 1939
Mr. NYE introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
JOINT RESOLUTION
To prohibit the shipment of arms, ammunition, and implements
of war from any place in the United States.
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That from and after the approval of this joint resolution it
4 shall be unlawful to export, or attempt to export, or cause
5 to be exported, arms, ammunition, or implements of war
to
to
6 from any place in the United States, except to nations on
done
7 the American continents engaged in war against a non-
Bisted
8 American state or states.
benera
9
SEC. 2. The President may, from time to time, promul-
lleniz
10 gate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as
11 may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the pro-
24
25
1 visions of this joint resolution; and he may exercise any
1
SEC. 5. If any of the provisions of this joint resolution,
2 power or authority conferred on him by this joint resolu-
2 or the application thereof to any person or circumstance,
3 tion through such officer or officers, or agency or agencies,
3 is held invalid, the remainder of the joint resolution, and
4 as he shall direct.
4 the application of such provisions to other persons or cir-
5
SEC. 3. Any arms, ammunition, or implements of war
5 cumstances, shall not be affected thereby.
6 exported or attempted to be exported from the United States
6
SEC. 6. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated
7 in violation of any of the provisions of this joint resolution
7 from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury not
8 and any vessel or vehicle containing the same shall be sub-
8 otherwise appropriated, such amounts as may be necessary
9 ject to the provisions of sections 1 to 8, inclusive, title 6,
9 to carry out the provisions and accomplish the purposes of
10 chapter 30, of the Act approved June 15, 1917 (40 Stat.
10 this joint resolution.
11 223-225; U.S. C., title 22, secs. 238-245).
12
In the case of the forfeiture of any arms, ammunition,
13 or implements of war by reason of a violation of this joint
14 resolution, no public or private sale shall be required; but
15 such arms, ammunition, or implements of war shall be
16 delivered to the Secretary of War for such use or disposal
17 thereof as shall be approved by the President of the United
18 States.
19
SEC. 4. In every case of the violation of any of the
20 provisions of this joint resolution or of any rule or regulation
21 issued pursuant thereto where a specific penalty is not herein
22 provided such violator or violators, upon conviction, shall be
23 fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than
24 five years, or both.
27
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S.J.RES.67
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
FEBRUARY 13, 1939
Mr. THOMAS of Utah introduced the following joint resolution; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
JOINT RESOLUTION
To amend the Neutrality Act.
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That section 2 of the Neutrality Act, approved August 31,
4 1935, as amended, is amended by adding at the end thereof
5 the following new subsection:
6
(f) Whenever the President shall have issued a proc-
7 lamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act and
8 he shall thereafter find that the placing of restrictions on
9 the export of certain articles or materials of use in war, in
10 addition to arms, ammunition, and implements of war, from
11 the United States to belligerent states, or to a state wherein
12 civil strife exists, is necessary to promote the security or
29
28
1 preserve the peace of the United States, he shall so proclaim,
2 it shall thereafter be unlawful, except under such limitations
3 and exceptions as the President may prescribe, to export, or
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 203
4 attempt to export, or cause to be exported, such articles or
5 materials from any place in the United States to belligerent
6 states or to any state wherein civil strife exists, named in
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
7 such proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 of
JANUARY 4, 1939
8 this Act, or to any other state for transshipment to, or for
Mr. KING introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred
9 the use of, any such belligerent state or any such state
to the Committee on Foreign Relations
10 wherein civil strife exists."
11
SEC. 2. Such Act is further amended by adding after
12 section 3 the following new section:
THIOL
A
BILL
13
"SEC. 3A. Whenever the President shall find that one or
To repeal the Neutrality Act of August 31, 1935, as amended.
1
14 more states signatory to a treaty to which the United States
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
15 is a party is engaged in war with another state in violation
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
16 of such treaty, he may, with the approval of a majority of
3 That the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution provid-
17 each House of Congress, exempt such other state, in whole
4 ing for the prohibition of the export of arms, ammunition,
18 or in part, from the provisions of any proclamation issued by
5 and implements of war to belligerent countries; the pro-
19 him under the authority of this Act, if such other state is
6 hibition of the transportation of arms, ammunition, and
20 not engaged in war in violation of such treaty. The President
7 implements of war by vessels of the United States for the
21 may, from time to time, charge, modify, or revoke, in whole
8 use of belligerent states; for the registration and licensing
22 or in part, any exemption issued by him under the authority
9 of persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, export-
23 of this section." or
10 ing, or importing arms, ammunition, or implements of war;
etate
of
11 and restricting travel by American citizens on belligerent
TO
J. 138502-3
30
31
1 ships during war", approved August 31, 1935, as amended,
2 is hereby repealed.
3
SEC. 2. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect
76TH CONGRESS
4 in any manner any proceedings instituted prior to the date
1ST SESSION
S. 1745
5 of enactment of this Act with respect to any offenses com-
6 mitted or forfeitures incurred under such joint resolution of
7 August 31, 1935, as amended, prior to the date of enactment
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
8 of this Act.
MARCH 8, 1939
8
Mr. LEWIS introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations
A
BILL
To repeal the specific Acts known as neutrality laws passed in
the years 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1938, and to reestablish
the doctrine of the United States that neutrality in all foreign
-bivorg
conflicts is the policy of the United States and to be enforced
according to such regulations as the Executive in charge of
the national defense of the country and the protection of our
-org
citizens, from time to time will be called upon to apply.
has
8
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
sill
T
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
has
8
3 That the Acts of Congress designated as neutrality statutes
-Juoqza
4 of the dates of the years of 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1938, and
(1877
10
02
5 the amendments and additions thereto be each hereby
invegilled
no
6 repealed.
32
33
1
SEC. 2. That the policy of neutrality of the United States
2 of America as concerns conflicts in foreign lands that bear
3 no relation to the United States, of interest to its citizens or
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
4 defense to its Nation is to be executed from time to time by
S. CON. RES. 8
5 appropriate Executive orders by the President of the United
6 States and enforced in such branches of the Government as
7 shall be directed.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
8
SEC. 3. That the regulations for the enforcement of
MARCH 20 (legislative day, MARCH 16), 1939
Mr. SHEPPARD submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was
9 neutrality in the different forms of political subjects are to
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
10 be carried out by such provisions and orders, and substitute
11 orders, as from time to time will be called for by the needs
12 of the United States and the proper defense of the interests
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
13
of its people.
Whereas recent expressions from the administration here in
14
All Acts and parts of Acts in conflict with this Act are
Washington and by constituted authorities of certain other
15 hereby repealed.
nations make it appropriate at this time to bend every effort
to avoid another general war during the present generation
because such a conflict would be SO deadly and such a bur-
den for all nations that eminent authorities agree modern
civilization in its present form could not survive such a
catastrophe for even a few years; and
Whereas the United States of America has long pursued the
policy of contributing to the furtherance of peaceful relations
between various nations through its activities in the estab-
lishment of The Hague Tribunal, the furthering of the success
of the Washington Conference called in this city in 1921, in
its participation in the London Conference in 1930, and in
addition to other attempts, its action in the First General
Conference for the Limitation of Armaments held in Geneva
in 1932; and
34
3
Whereas the Secretary of State should be commended for his
1 great powers under which th
efforts through Geneva recently in advocating a reduction
2 needed provisions a reducti
of armaments on the part of the great powers as a part of
3 and all types of armed force
the program for peace advocated by the present administra-
tion, which said reduction in armaments will not only pro-
4 the manufacture and sale of
mote the mutual safety of all nations, but also will avoid
5 industry will be strictly regu
further vast expenditures of tax money for armaments by
6 ing peace.
the governments of peoples already poverty-stricken and
o
tax-ridden; and
Whereas the experience of the World War as expressed at Ver-
sailles soon thereafter demonstrates that peace is also endan-
gered most seriously by the inadequate restriction and control
of the manufacture and sale of munitions of war, which mat-
ter was properly investigated by the Special Committee on
Investigation of the Munitions Industry, authorized by the
Senate; and
Whereas it is to the interest of the safety of society and the avoid-
ance of another world war in the near future that the pro-
gram of the administration for peace mentioned above should
include the problem of restriction of the manufacture and
sale of munitions of war: Now, therefore, be it
1
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
2 concurring), That the Secretary of State be, and hereby is,
3 respectfully urged to include in his commendable program
4 for peace the matter of a mutual restriction and control of the
5 manufacture and sale of munitions of war; and be it further
6
Resolved, That the Secretary of State be, and hereby is,
7 further respectfully requested to secure treaties with all the
ndi
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 2320
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
MAY 4, 1939
Mr. VANDENBERG introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
A BILL
To reenact the provisions of section 2 of the joint resolution of
August 31, 1935, as amended.
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That the provisions of section 2 of the joint resolution of
4 August 31, 1935, as amended by the joint resolution of May
5 1, 1937, except subsection (e) of such section, are hereby
6 reenacted, as follows:
7
"EXPORT OF OTHER ARTICLES AND MATERIALS
8
"SEC. 2. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
9 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act
10 and he shall thereafter find that the placing of restrictions
11 on the shipment of certain articles or materials in addition
2
3
1 to arms, ammunition, and implements of war from the
1 citizens of the United States, he shall so proclaim, and it
2 United States to belligerent states, or to a state wherein
2 shall thereafter be unlawful, except under such limitations
3 civil strife exists, is necessary to promote the security or
3 and exceptions as the President may prescribe as to lakes,
4 preserve the peace of the United States or to protect the
4 rivers, and inland waters bordering on the United States,
5 lives of citizens of the United States, he shall so proclaim,
5 and as to transportation on or over land bordering on the
6 and it shall thereafter be unlawful, except under such limi-
6 United States, to export or transport, or attempt to export
7 tations and exceptions as the President may prescribe as to
7 or transport, or cause to be exported or transported, from
8 lakes, rivers, and inland waters bordering on the United
8 the United States to any belligerent state, or to any state
9 States, and as to transportation on or over lands bordering
9 wherein civil strife exists, named in such proclamation issued
10 on the United States, for any American vessel to carry such
10 under the authority of section 1 of this Act, or to any neutral
11 articles or materials to any belligerent state, or to any state
11 state for transshipment to, or for the use of, any such bel-
12 wherein civil strife exists, named in such proclamation
12 ligerent state or any such state wherein civil strife exists, any
13 issued under the authority of section 1 of this Act, or to
13 articles or materials whatever until all right, title, and interest
14 any neutral state for transshipment to, or for the use of,
14 therein shall have been transferred to some foreign govern-
15 any such belligerent state or any such state wherein civil
15 ment, agency, institution, association, partnership, corpora-
16 strife exists. The President shall by proclamation from time
16 tion, or national. The shipper of such articles or materials
17 to time definitely enumerate the articles and materials which
17 shall be required to file with the collector of the port from
18 it shall be unlawful for American vessels to so transport.
18 which they are to be exported a declaration under oath that
19
(b) Whenever the President shall have issued a
19 there exists in citizens of the United States no right, title,
20 proclamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act
20 or interest in such articles or materials, and to comply with
21 and he shall thereafter find that the placing of restrictions on
21 such rules and regulations as shall be promulgated from
22 the export of articles or materials from the United States
22 time to time by the President. Any such declaration so filed
23 to belligerent states, or to a state wherein civil strife exists,
23 shall be a conclusive estoppel against any claim of any citi-
24 is necessary to promote the security or preserve the peace
24 zen of the United States of right, title, or interest in such
25 of the United States or to protect the lives or commerce of
25 articles or materials. Insurance written by underwriters on
4
1 any articles or materials the export of which is prohibited by
2 this Act, or on articles or materials carried by an Ameri-
3 can vessel in violation of subsection (a) of this section,
4 shall not be deemed an American interest therein, and no
5 insurance policy issued on such articles or materials and no
6 loss incurred thereunder or by the owner of the vessel
7 carrying the same shall be made a basis of any claim put
8 forward by the Government of the United States.
9
(c) The President shall from time to time by proclama-
10 tion extend such restrictions as are imposed under the author-
11 ity of this section to other states as and when they may be
12 declared to become belligerent states under proclamations
13 issued under the authority of section 1 of this Act.
81.
14
'(d) The President may from time to time change,
15 modify, or revoke in whole or in part any proclamations is-
16 sued by him under the authority of this section."
01
TI
81
er
To
02
18
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88
nows
W
no
88
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 2320
A BILL
To reenact the provisions of section 2 of the
joint resolution of August 31, 1935, as
amended.
By Mr. VANDENBERG
MAY 4, 1939
Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 2402
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
MAY 11 (legislative day, MAY 8), 1939
Mr. GILLETTE introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations
A BILL
Providing for certain proclamations by the President in the
case of war between two or more foreign states, and for
other purposes.
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That whenever any foreign state shall declare that a state
4 of war exists between it and any other foreign state or states,
5 or whenever the President, or the Congress by concurrent
6 resolution, shall find that there exists an undeclared state
7 of war between or among two or more foreign states, the
8 President shall forthwith proclaim such fact and the names
9 of the states involved. He shall also, by proclamation, im-
10 mediately name any other state which becomes involved in
11 any such war, and he shall, by proclamation, revoke any
2
3
1 proclamation issued under the authority of this section when-
1 States to purchase, sell, or exchange bonds, securities, or other
2 ever the conditions which caused him to issue the same shall
2 obligations of the government of any State named in such
3 cease to exist.
SOAS .2
3 proclamation, or of any political subdivision of any such State,
4
AREAS OF COMBAT OPERATIONS
4 or of any person acting for or on behalf of the government
5
SEC. 2. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
5 of any such State, issued after the date of such proclamation,
6 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act,
6 or to make any loan or extend any credit to any such govern-
7 he shall, by proclamation, define the areas of combat
7 ment, political subdivision, or person: Provided, That if the
8 operations of the states named in the proclamation SO issued
8 President shall find that such action will serve to protect the
9 under the authority of section 1, and thereafter any citizen
9 commercial or other interests of the United States or its
10 of the United States or any American vessel that enters or
10 citizens, he may, in his discretion, and to such extent and
11 proceeds through any area SO defined shall do SO at his or
11 under such regulations as he may prescribe, except from the
12 its own risk: Provided, That the provisions of this section
12 operation of this section ordinary commercial credits and
13 shall not apply to any class of such citizens or vessels which
13 short-time obligations in aid of legal transactions and of a
14 the President, under such conditions as he may by regulation
14 character customarily used in normal peacetime commercial
15 prescribe, shall specifically exempt from the operation of this
15 transactions. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed
16 section.
16 to prohibit the solicitation or collection of funds to be used
17
(b) The President may from time to time modify or
17 for medical aid and assistance, or for food and clothing to
18 extend any proclamation issued under the authority of this
18 relieve human suffering, when such solicitation or collection
19 section, and he shall, by proclamation, revoke any procla-
19 of funds is made on behalf of and for use by any person or
20 mation SO issued when the conditions which caused him to
20 organization which is not acting for or on behalf of any such
21 issue the same shall cease to exist.
21 government, political subdivision, or person, but all such
22
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
22 solicitations and collections of funds shall be subject to the
23
SEC. 3. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued a
23 approval of the President and shall be made under such rules
24 proclamation under the authority of section 1 of this Act, it
24 and regulations as he shall prescribe.
25 shall thereafter be unlawful for any person within the United
4
5
1
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to
1 the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, the
2 a renewal or adjustment of such indebtedness as may exist
2 Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce.
3 on the date of the President's proclamation or to an Ameri-
3 Except as otherwise provided in this Act, or by other law,
4 can republic or republics engaged in war against a non-
4 the administration of this Act is vested in the Department
5 American state or states, if the American republic is not co-
5 of State. The Secretary of State shall promulgate such rules
6 operating with a non-American state or states in such war.
6 and regulations with regard to the enforcement of this section
7
(c) Whoever shall violate the provisions of this section
7 as he may deem necessary to carry out its provisions. The
8 or of any regulations issued hereunder shall, upon convic-
8 Board shall be convened by the chairman and shall hold
9 tion thereof, be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned
9 at least one meeting a year.
10 for not more than five years, or both. Should the violation
10
(b) Every person who engages in the business of manu-
11 be by a corporation, organization, or association, each officer
11 facturing, exporting, or importing any arms, ammunition, or
12 or agent thereof participating in the violation may be liable
12 implements of war, whether as an exporter, importer, manu-
13 to the penalty herein prescribed.
13 facturer, or dealer, shall register with the Secretary of State
14
(d) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
14 his name, or business name, principal place of business, and
15 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 of
15 places of business in the United States, and a list of the arms,
16 this Act, the provisions of this section and of any regulations
16 ammunition, and implements of war which he manufactures,
17 issued by the President hereunder shall thereupon cease to
17 imports, or exports.
18 apply with respect to the state or states named in such
18
(c) Every person required to register under this section
19 proclamation, except with respect to offenses committed
19 shall notify the Secretary of State of any change in the arms,
20 prior to such revocation.
20 ammunition, or implements of war which he exports, imports,
21
NATIONAL MUNITIONS CONTROL BOARD
21 or manufactures; and upon such notification the Secretary
22
SEC. 4. (a) There is hereby established a National
22 of State shall issue to such person an amended certificate of
23 Munitions Control Board (hereinafter referred to as the
23 registration, free of charge, which shall remain valid until
24 "Board"). The Board shall consist of the Secretary of State,
24 the date of expiration of the original certificate. Every per-
25 who shall be chairman and executive officer of the Board,
6
7
1 son required to register under the provisions of this section
1
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to export, or
2 shall pay a registration fee of $500, unless he manufactured,
2 attempt to export, from the United States to any other
3 exported, or imported arms, ammunition, and implements of
3 state, any arms, ammunition, or implements of war, or to
4 war to a total sales value of less than $50,000 during the
4 import, or attempt to import, into the United States from any
5 twelve months immediately preceding his registration, in
5 other state, any arms, ammunition, or implements of war,
6 which case he shall pay a registration fee of $100. Upon
6 without first having obtained a license therefor.
7 receipt of the required registration fee, the Secretary of State
7
(e) All persons required to register under this section
8 shall issue a registration certificate valid for five years, which
8 shall maintain, subject to the inspection of the Secretary of
9 shall be renewable for further periods of five years upon the
9 State, or any person or persons designated by him, such
10 payment for each renewal of a fee of $500 in the case of
10 permanent records of manufacture for export, importation,
11 persons who manufactured, exported, or imported arms, am-
11 and exportation of arms, ammunition, and implements of war
12 munition, and implements of war to a total sales value of
12 as the Secretary of State shall prescribe.
13 more than $50,000 during the twelve months immediately
13
(f) Licenses shall be issued to persons who have reg-
14 preceding the renewal, or a fee of $100 in the case of per-
14 istered as herein provided for, except in cases of export or
15 sons who manufactured, exported, or imported arms, ammu-
15 import licenses where the export of arms, ammunition, or
16 nition, and implements of war to a total sales value of less
16 implements of war would be in violation of law, or of a treaty
17 than $50,000 during the twelve months immediately preced-
17 to which the United States is a party, in which cases such
18 ing the renewal. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby
18 licenses shall not be issued.
19 directed to refund, out of any moneys in the Treasury not
19
(g) No purchase of arms, ammunition, or implements
20 otherwise appropriated, the sum of $400 to every person
20 of war shall be made on behalf of the United States by any
21 who shall have paid a registration fee of $500 pursuant to
21 officer, executive department, or independent establishment
22 this Act, who manufactured, exported, or imported arms, am-
22 of the Government from any person who shall have failed to
23 munition, and implements of war to a total sales value of
23 register under the provisions of this Act.
24 less than $50,000 during the twelve months immediately
24
(h) The Board shall make an annual report to Congress,
25 preceding his registration.
25 copies of which shall be distributed as are other reports trans-
8
9
1 mitted to Congress. Such reports shall contain such infor-
1
REGULATIONS
2 mation and data collected by the Board as may be considered
2
SEC. 5. The President may, from time to time, promul-
3 of value in the determination of questions connected with
3 gate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law,
4 the control of trade in arms, ammunition, and implements
4 as may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the
5 of war. The Board shall include in such reports a list of
5 provisions of this Act; and he may exercise any power or
6 all persons required to register under the provisions of this
6 authority conferred on him by this Act through such officer
7 Act, and full information concerning the licenses issued
7 or officers, or agency or agencies, as he shall direct.
8 hereunder.
8
DEFINITIONS
9
(i) The President shall, by proclamation, definitely
9
SEC. 6. For the purposes of this Act-
10 enumerate from time to time, upon recommendation of the
10
(a) The term "United States", when used in a geo-
11 Board, the articles which shall be considered arms, ammuni-
11 graphical sense, includes the several States and Territories,
12 tion, and implements of war for the purposes of this section,
12 the insular possessions of the United States (including the
13 but the articles SO enumerated shall include the arms,
13 Philippine Islands), the Canal Zone, and the District of
14 ammunition, and implements of war enumerated in the
14 Columbia.
15 President's Proclamation Numbered 2163, of April 10,
15
(b) The term "person" includes a partnership, com-
16 1936, but shall not include raw materials or any other
16 pany, association, or corporation, as well as a natural person.
17 articles or materials not of the same general character as
17
(c) The term "vessel" means every description of
18 those enumerated in the said proclamation, and in the
18 watercraft (including aircraft) or other contrivance used,
19 Convention for the Supervision of the International Trade
19 or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on,
20 in Arms and Ammunition and in Implements of War, signed
20 under, or over water.
21 at Geneva June 17, 1925.
21
(d) The term "American vessel" means any vessel
22
(j) Whoever shall violate the provisions of this section
22 (including aircraft) documented under the laws of the
23 or of any regulations issued hereunder shall, upon conviction
23 United States.
24 thereof, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not
24
(e) The term "vehicle" means every description of
25 more than five years, or both.
25 carriage (including aircraft) or other contrivance used, or
S. 2402-2
10
1 capable of being used, as a means of transportation on or over
2 land.
3
(f) The term "state" shall include nation, government,
4 and country.
5
SEPARABILITY OF PROVISIONS
6
SEC. 7. If any of the provisions of this Act, or the
7 application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held
8 invalid, the remainder of the Act, and the application of
9 such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not
10 be affected thereby.
11
APPROPRIATIONS
12
SEC. 8. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated
13 from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury not
14 otherwise appropriated, such amounts as may be necessary
SOAS
15 to carry out the provisions and accomplish the purposes of
16 this Act.
17
REPEALS
18
SEC. 9. The joint resolution of August 31, 1935, as
19 amended, and the joint resolution of January 8, 1937, are
20 hereby repealed; but nothing in this section shall be con-
21 strued to affect in any manner any proceedings instituted
22 prior to the date of enactment of this Act with respect to
23 any offenses committed or forfeitures incurred under either
24 of such joint resolutions prior to the date of enactment of
25 this Act.
1
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 2402
A BILL
Providing for certain proclamations by the
President in the case of war between two or
more foreign states, and for other purposes.
By Mr. GILLETTE
MAY 11 (legislative day, MAY 8), 1939
Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. J. RES. 306
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JULY 5, 1939
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
JOINT RESOLUTION
Neutrality Act of 1939.
Whereas the policy of the United States in foreign wars not
affecting the defense of the United States is a policy of
neutrality in accordance with the rules of international law;
and
Whereas the United States stands for restating and strengthen-
ing the rights of neutrals at the earliest practicable time; and
Whereas it seems advisable, until these rights can be restated,
to diminish the risk of this Nation becoming involved in
foreign wars by restricting the exercise of certain neutral
rights of our citizens: Therefore be it
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
2
3
1 PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF WAR BETWEEN FOREIGN
1 tion, unless in accordance with such rules and regulations
2
STATES
2 as the President shall prescribe.
3
SECTION 1. (a) That whenever the President or Con-
3
(b) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
4 gress by concurrent resolution shall find that there exists a
4 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 (a),
5 state of war between foreign states, and that it is necessary
5 the provisions of this section and of any regulations issued
6 to promote the security or preserve the peace of the United
6 by the President hereunder shall thereupon. cease to apply
7 States or to protect the lives of citizens of the United States,
7 with respect to the state or states named in such procla-
8 the President shall issue a proclamation naming the states
8 mation, except with respect to offenses committed prior to
9 involved; and he shall, from time to time, by proclamation,
9 such revocation.
10 name other states as and when they may become involved
10 FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSFER OF TITLE
11 in the war.
11
SEC. 4. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
12
(b) Whenever the conditions which have caused the
12 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a), it shall
13 President to issue any proclamation under the authority of
13 thereafter be unlawful for any person within the United
14 this section have ceased to exist, he shall revoke the same.
14 States to purchase, sell, or exchange bonds, securities, or
15
SEC. 2. Whenever the President shall have issued a
15 other obligations of the government of any state named
16 proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a) it shall
16 in such proclamation, or of any political subdivision of
17 thereafter be unlawful to export, or attempt to export, or
17 any such state, or of any person acting for or on behalf
18 cause to be exported, arms or ammunition from any place in
18 of the government of any such state, issued after the date
19 the United States to any belligerent states named in such
19 of such proclamation, or to make any loan or extend any
20 proclamation.
20 credit to any such government, political subdivision, or
21
TRAVEL ON VESSELS OF BELLIGERENT STATES
21 person: Provided, That if the President shall find that such
22
SEC. 3. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
22 action will serve to protect the commercial or other interests
23 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a), no citi-
23 of the United States or its citizens, he may, in his discretion,
24 zen of the United States shall travel except at his own risk
24 and to such extent and under such regulations as he may
25 on any vessel of the state or states named in such proclama-
25 prescribe, except from the operation of this section for a
4
5
1 period of not more than ninety days without renewals ordi-
1 agency, institution, association, partnership, corporation, or
2 nary commercial credits and short-time obligations in aid
2 national. The shipper of such articles or materials shall be
3 of legal transactions and of a character customarily used in
3 required to file with the collector of the port from which
4 normal peacetime commercial transaction; the President
4 they are to be exported a declaration under oath that there
5 shall make public every ninety days any and all exceptions
5 exists in citizens of the United States no right, title, or
6 granted under this proviso, together with the amounts of
6 interest in such articles or materials, and to comply with such
7 credits involved.
7 rules and regulations as shall be promulgated from time
8
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a
8 to time by the President. Any such declaration so filed shall
9 renewal or adjustment of such indebtedness as may exist
9 be a conclusive estoppel against any claim of any citizen
10 on the date of the President's proclamation.
10 of the United States of right, title, or interest in such articles
11
(c) Whoever shall violate the provisions of subsection
11 or materials. Insurance written by underwriters on such
12 (a) of this section or of any regulations issued thereunder.
12 articles or materials shall not be deemed an American interest
13 shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than
13 therein, and no insurance policy issued on such articles or
14 $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or
14 materials, and no loss incurred thereunder, shall be made
15 both. Should the violation be by a corporation, organization,
15 the basis of any claim put forward by the Government of
16 or association, each officer or agent thereof participating in
16 the United States. The provisions of this subsection shall
17 the violation may be liable to the penalty herein prescribed.
17 not apply to trade on or over lands, lakes, rivers, and inland
18
(d) Whenever the President shall have issued a procla-
18 waters bordering on the United States.
19 mation under the authority of section 1 (a) it shall there-
19
(e) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
20 after be unlawful, except in accordance with such rules
20 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 (a),
21 and regulations as the President shall prescribe, to export or
21 the provisions of this section and of any regulations issued
22 transport, or attempt to export or transport, or cause to be
22 by the President hereunder shall thereupon cease to apply
23 exported or transported, from the United States directly or
23 with respect to the state or states named in such proclama-
24 indirectly to any state named in the proclamation, any
24 tion, except with respect to offenses committed prior to such
25 articles or materials until all right, title, and interest therein
25 revocation.
26 shall have been transferred to some foreign government,
6
7
1
SOLICITATION AND COLLECTION OF FUNDS
1
AMERICAN REPUBLICS
2
SEC. 5. (a) Whenever the President shall have issued
2
SEC. 6. The foregoing provisions of this joint resolution
3 a proclamation under the authority of section 1 (a), it shall
3 shall not apply to any American republic.
4 thereafter be unlawful for any person within the United
4
USE OF AMERICAN PORTS AS BASE OF SUPPLY
5 States to solicit or receive any contribution for or on behalf of
5
SEC. 7. (a) Whenever, during any war in which the
6 the government of any small state named in the proclamation
6 United States is neutral, the President, or any person there-
7 or of any association, organization, or person acting for or
7 unto authorized by him, shall have cause to believe that
8 on behalf of such government. Nothing in this section shall
8 any vessel, domestic or foreign, whether requiring clear-
9 be construed to prohibit the solicitation or collection of con-
9 ance or not, is about to carry out of a port of the United
10 tributions to be used for medical aid and assistance, or for
10 States, fuel, men, arms, ammunition, implements of war,
11 food and clothing to relieve human suffering, when such
11 or other supplies to any warship, tender, or supply ship
12 solicitation or collection of contributions is made on behalf
12 of a belligerent state in violation of the laws, treaties or obli-
13 of and for use by any person or organization which is not
13 gations of the United States under the law of nations and the
14 acting for or on behalf or in aid of any such government, but
14 supreme law of the land, but the evidence is not deemed
15 all such solicitations and collections of contributions shall
15 sufficient to justify forbidding the departure of the vessel as
16 be subject to the approval of the President and shall be made
16 provided for by section 1, title V, chapter 30, of the Act
17 under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe.
17 approved June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 217, 221; U. S. C.,
18
(b) Whenever the President shall have revoked any
18 1934 edition, title 18, sec. 31), and if, in the President's
19 proclamation issued under the authority of section 1 (a),
19 judgment, such action will serve to maintain peace between
20 the provisions of this section and of any regulations issued
20 the United States and foreign states, or to protect the com-
21 by the President hereunder shall thereupon cease to apply
21 mercial interests of the United States and its citizens, or to
22 with respect to the small states named in such proclamation,
22 promote the security or neutrality of the United States,
23 except with respect to offenses committed prior to such
23 he shall have the power, and it shall be his duty, to require
24 revocation.
24 the owner, master, or person in command thereof, before
25 departing from a port of the United States, to give a bond
8
9
1 to the United States, with sufficient sureties, in such amount
1 ever, in his judgment, the conditions which have caused him
2 as he shall deem proper, conditioned that the vessel will
2 to issue his proclamation have ceased to exist, he shall re-
3 not deliver the men, or any part of the cargo, to any war-
3 voke his proclamation and the provisions of this section
4 ship, tender, or supply ship of a belligerent state.
4 shall thereupon cease to apply.
5
(b) If the President, or any person thereunto author-
5
NATIONAL MUNITIONS CONTROL BOARD
6 ized by him, shall find that a vessel, domestic or foreign,
6
SEC. 9. (a) There is hereby established a National
7 in a port of the United States, has previously cleared from
7 Munitions Control Board (hereinafter referred to as the
8 a port of the United States during such war and delivered
8 "Board"). The Board shall consist of the Secretary of
9 its cargo or any part thereof to a warship, tender, or
9 State, who shall be chairman and executive officer of the
10 supply ship of a belligerent state, he may prohibit the
10 Board, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War,
11 departure of such vessel during the duration of the war.
11 the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce.
12
SUBMARINES AND ARMED MERCHANT VESSELS
12 Except as otherwise provided in this joint resolution, or by
13
SEC. 8. Whenever, during any war in which the United
13 other law, the administration of this joint resolution is vested
14 States is neutral, the President shall find that special restric-
14 in the Department of State. The Secretary of State shall
15 tions placed on the use by the submarines or armed merchant
15 promulgate such rules and regulations with regard to the
16 vessels of a belligerent state of the ports and territorial waters
16 enforcement of this section as he may deem necessary to
17 of the United States will serve to maintain peace between
17 carry out its provisions. The Board shall be convened
18 the United States and belligerent states, or to protect the
18 by the chairman and shall hold at least one meeting a year.
19 commercial interests of the United States and its citizens,
19
(b) Every person who engages in the business of manu-
20 or to promote the security of the United States, and shall
20 facturing, exporting, or importing any of the arms, ammuni-
21 make proclamation thereof, it shall thereafter be unlawful
21 tion, or implements of war referred to in this joint resolution,
22 for any such submarine or armed merchant vessel to enter
22 whether as an exporter, importer, manufacturer, or dealer,
23 a port or the territorial waters of the United States or to
23 shall register with the Secretary of State his name, or busi-
24 depart therefrom, except under such conditions and subject
24 ness name, principal place of business, and places of business
25 to such limitations as the President may prescribe. When-
25 in the United States, and a list of the arms, ammunition,
10
11
1 and implements of war which he manufactures, imports,
1
(e) All persons required to register under this section
2 or exports.
2 shall maintain, subject to the inspection of the Secretary of
3
(c) Every person required to register under this sec-
3 State, or any person or persons designated by him, such per-
4 tion shall notify the Secretary of State of any change in the
4 manent records of manufacture for export, importation, and
5 arms, ammunition, or implements of war which he exports,
5 exportation of arms, ammunition, and implements of war as
6 imports, or manufactures; and upon such notification the
6 the Secretary of State shall prescribe.
7 Secretary of State shall issue to such person an amended
7
(f) Licenses shall be issued to persons who have regis-
8 certificate of registration, free of charge, which shall remain
8 tered as herein provided for, except in cases of export or
9 valid until the date of expiration of the original certificate.
9 import licenses where the export of arms, ammunition, or
10 Every person required to register under the provisions of
10 implements of war would be in violation of this joint reso-
11 this section shall pay a registration fee of $100. Upon
11 lution or any other law of the United States, or of a treaty
12 receipt of the required registration fee, the Secretary of State
12 to which the United States is a party, in which cases such
13 shall issue a registration certificate valid for five years, which
13 licenses shall not be issued.
14 shall be renewable for further periods of five years upon
14
(g) No purchase of arms, ammunition, or implements
15 the payment for each renewal of a fee of $100.
15 of war shall be made on behalf of the United States by any
16
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to export, or
16 officer, executive department, or independent establishment
17 attempt to export, from the United. States to any other
17 of the Government from any person who shall have failed
18 state, any of the arms, ammunition, or implements of war
18 to register under the provisions of this joint resolution.
19 referred to in this joint resolution, or to import, or attempt
19
(h) The provisions of the Act of August 29, 1916,
20 to import, to the United States from any other state, any
20 relating to the sale of ordnance and stores to the Govern-
21 of the arms, ammunition, or implements of war referred to
21 ment of Cuba (39 Stat. 619, 643; U. S. C., 1934 edition,
22 in this joint resolution, without first having obtained a license
22 title 50, sec. 72), are hereby repealed as of December 31,
23 therefor. In the application for license the applicant shall
23 1937.
24 set forth a description of such exports or imports together
24
(i) The Board shall make an annual report to Congress,
25 with the terms of sale as to credit or payment.
25 copies of which shall be distributed as are other reports
12
13
1 transmitted to Congress. Such reports shall contain such
1
GENERAL PENALTY PROVISION
2 information and data collected by the Board as may be con-
2
SEC. 11. In every case of the violation of any of the
3 sidered of value in the determination of questions connected
3 provisions of this joint resolution or of any rule or regula-
4 with the control of trade in arms, ammunition, and imple-
4 tion issued pursuant thereto where a specific penalty is not
5 ments of war. The Board shall include in such reports a
5 herein provided, such violator or violators, upon conviction,
6 list of all persons required to register under the provisions
6 shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more
7 of this joint resolution, and full information concerning the
7 than five years, or both.
8 licenses issued hereunder: Provided, That, if the President
8
DEFINITIONS
9 shall have issued a proclamation under the authority of
9
SEC. 12. For the purposes of this joint resolution-
10 section 1 (a), the Board shall thereupon make public an
10
(a) The term "United States", when used in a geo-
11 immediate report containing all the information herein pro-
11 graphical sense, includes the several States and Territories,
12 vided, and shall make public a similar report each ninety days
12 the insular possessions of the United States (including the
13 thereafter so long as such proclamation shall be in force.
13 Philippine Islands), the Canal Zone, and the District of
14
(j) The President is hereby authorized to proclaim
14 Columbia.
15 upon recommendation of the Board from time to time a list
15
(b) The term "person" includes a partnership, com-
16 of articles which shall be considered arms, ammunition, and
16 pany, association, or corporation, as well as a natural person.
17 implements of war for the purposes of this section.
17
(c) The term "vessel" means every description of
18
REGULATIONS
18 watereraft (including aircraft) or other contrivance used,
19
SEC. 10. The President may, from time to time, pro-
19 or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on.
20 mulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law,
20 under, or over water.
21 as may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the
21
(d) The term "state" shall include nation, government
22 provisions of this joint resolution; and he may exercise any
22 and country.
23 power or authority conferred on him by this joint resolution
23
SEPARABILITY OF PROVISIONS
24 through such officer or officers, or agency or agencies, as he
24
SEC. 13. If any of the provisions of this joint resolu-
25 shall direct.
25 tion, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance,
26 is held invalid, the remainder of the joint resolution, and the
14
1 application of such provision to other persons or circum-
2 stances, shall not be affected thereby.
3
APPROPRIATIONS
4
SEC. 14. There is hereby authorized to be appropri-
5 ated from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury
6 not otherwise appropriated, such amounts as may be neces-
7 sary to carry out the provisions and accomplish the purposes
8 of this joint resolution.
9
not
-
REPEAL OF ACTS OF 1935, 1936, 1937
10
SEC. 15. The Act of August 31, 1935 (Public Reso-
works TAI
11 lution Numbered 67, Seventy-fourth Congress), as amended
12 by the Act of February 29, 1936 (Public Resolution Num-
13 bered 74, Seventy-fourth Congress), and the Act of May 1,
14 1937 (Public Resolution Numbered 27, Seventy-fifth Con-
BER 1' 308
ИОНТИЛОВНЯ тию
bee
Just to todo
15 gress), and the Act of January 8, 1937 (Public Resolution
16 Numbered 1, Seventy-fifth Congress), are hereby repealed:
17 Provided, That such repeal shall not affect the validity of
18 the Proclamation Numbered 2237 of May 1, 1937 (50 Stat.
19 1834), defining the term "arms, ammunition, and imple-
20 ments of war" or of certificates of registration or licenses
21 issued pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of the Act of
22 May 1, 1937.
Passed the House of Representatives June 30, 1939.
Attest:
SOUTH TRIMBLE,
Clerk.
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. J. RES. 306
JOINT RESOLUTION
Neutrality Act of 1939.
JULY 5, 1939
Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations
S
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76TH CONGRESS
9T(ST SESSION
S.J.RES. 186 Jamm
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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
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5 (legislative day, AUGUST 2), 1939
Mr. NYE introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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JOINT RESOLUTION
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Providing that the United States should maintain a policy of strict
neutrality in Asia. Totanaib
Whereas it is charged openly and the facts would seem to demon-
strate that the United States has a secret alliance with Great
Britain in relation to both Europe and Asia; and
Whereas such an alliance must inevitably mean war for the
United States; and
Whereas by a succession of newspaper dispatches it is disclosed
that the Department of State is actively participating through
communications and conferences in relation to the support
of the Chinese Nationalist currency, in a conflict between
Great Britain and Japan, and in relation to Chinese silver in
the British banks in Tientsin, as well as in other matters
which affect Great Britain; and
2
Whereas such conduct by the Department of State in the war in
Asia is political intervention in Asia and is wholly unneu-
tral; and
Whereas such conduct cannot but involve the United States on
the side of Great Britain in its differences with Japan and
must ultimately lead the United States into war: Therefore
be it
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That the United States should maintain a policy of strict
4 neutrality in relation to the war now taking place between
5 China and Japan and disassociate itself from Great Britain,
6 whose political and economic interests in China are para-
7 mount and are now in conflict with the interests of Japan,
8 and that war with Japan in support of British interests would
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9 mean disaster for the United States.
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7GTH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S.J. RES. 186
JOINT RESOLUTION
Providing that the United States should main-
tain a policy of strict neutrality in Asia.
By Mr. NYE
AUGUST 5 (legislative day, AUGUST 2), 1939
Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S.J.RES.123
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JULY 11 (legislative day, JULY 10), 1939
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed
AMENDMENT
(IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE)
Intended to be proposed by Mr. PITTMAN to the joint resolu-
tion (S. J. Res. 123) relative to violation of a treaty, viz:
Strike out all after the resolving clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
1
That whenever the President shall find that any foreign
2 state which is a party to the treaty known as the Nine
3 Power Pact between the United States, Belgium, the British
4 Empire, China, France, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands,
5 and Portugal, regarding principles and policies to be followed
6 in matters concerning China, signed at Washington, Febru-
7 ary 6, 1922, is endangering the lives of citizens of the United
8 States, or depriving such citizens of their legal rights and
9 privileges, through the commission of acts, or the failure to
7-11-39-E
2
3
1 perform required acts, in violation of the express provisions
1 rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
2 and guaranties in said treaty, the President is authorized
2 provisions of this joint resolution.
3 by proclamation to restrict or prohibit the export from the
3
(d) Whenever in the judgment of the President the
4 United States to such foreign state and to any other place
4 conditions which caused him to issue any such proclamation
5 under the physical or political control thereof of any of the
5 have ceased to exist, he shall revoke the proclamation and
6 following articles and materials: "Arms, ammunition, im-
6 the provisions of this joint resolution shall thereupon cease
7 plements of war", as defined in the Act approved May 1,
7 to apply with respect to the foreign state or states and the
8 1937 (Public Resolution Numbered 27, Seventy-fifth Con-
8 places under the physical or political control thereof named
9
gress, first session), and iron, steel, oil, gasoline, scrap-iron,
9 in such proclamation, except with respect to offenses com-
10 scrap-steel, and scrap-metal containing a combination of
10 mitted, or forfeitures incurred, prior to such revocation.
11 iron or steel and other metals or any combination of metals.
11
SEC. 3. (a) It is hereby declared to be the intent of
12
SEC. 2. (a) Each proclamation issued by the President
12 Congress that the authority granted to the President by this
13 under section 1 shall definitely enumerate the articles and
13 joint resolution shall be exercised only to the extent neces-
14 materials referred to in such section the export of which is
14 sary for the protection of the lives of citizens of the United
15 to be restricted or prohibited by such proclamation, and shall
15 States and the rights and privileges guaranteed to them
16 name the foreign state or states and the places under the
16 under the treaty referred to in section 1, and that such
17 physical or political control thereof to which such procla-
17 authority shall not be exercised until after the President shall
18 mation is to apply.
18 have made every reasonable effort to induce the foreign
19
(b) Each such proclamation shall take effect upon the
19 state or states concerned in any violation of said treaty to
20
thirtieth day after the date such proclamation is issued, and
20 comply with the terms of said treaty in order to protect the
21 shall remain in effect until changed, modified, or revoked
21 lives of such citizens and the rights and privileges SO
22 as hereinafter provided.
22 guaranteed.
23
(c) The President may from time to time by procla-
23
(b) In carrying out the provisions of this joint resolu-
24 mation change, modify, or revoke, in whole or in part, any
24 tion there shall be no discrimination between foreign states
25 such proclamation, and he is authorized to prescribe such
25 which are parties to and SO violating said treaty.
4
1
SEC. 4. (a) Whoever shall export, or attempt to export,
2 or cause to be exported, from the United States to any foreign
3 state or states or to any place under the physical or political
4 control thereof named in any proclamation issued by the
5 President under section 1, any articles or materials enumer-
€ ated in such proclamation the export of which is restricted
7 or prohibited, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or im-
8 prisoned not more than five years, or both, and the property,
9 vessel, or vehicle containing the same shall be subject to the
10 provisions of sections 1 to 8, inclusive, title 6, chapter 30,
11 of the Act approved June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 223-225;
12 U. S. C., 1934 edition, title 22, secs. 238-245).
13
(b) In the case of the forfeiture of any articles or ma-
14 terials by reason of a violation of any such proclamation, no
15 public or private sale shall be required; but such articles or
16 materials shall be delivered to the Secretary of War for such
17 use or disposal thereof as shall be approved by the President.
18
SEC. 5. This joint resolution and all proclamations is-
19 sued thereunder shall not be effective after May 1, 1940,
20 except with respect to offenses committed, or forfeitures
21 incurred, prior to such date.
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. J. RES. 123
AMENDMENT
(IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE)
Intended to be proposed by Mr. PITTMAN to
the joint resolution (S. J. Res. 123) relative
to violation of a treaty.
JULY 11 (legislative day, JULY 10), 1939
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and
ordered to be printed
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. J. RES. 143
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JUNE 1 (legislative day, MAY 31), 1939
Mr. SCHWELLENBACH introduced the following joint resolution; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
e
JOINT RESOLUTION
SI
To provide for retaining in the United States, and denying export
therefrom, articles or materials to be used in violation of the
sovereignty, independence, or territorial or administrative
integrity of any nation, contrary to the treaty engagements
of the United States.
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That in compliance with our treaty engagements, and to
4 conserve our resources for national-defense purposes, there
5 shall be retained within the United States, and denied export
6 therefrom, all goods, wares, merchandise, munitions, mate-
7 rials, and supplies of every kind and character, except agri-
8 cultural products, which there is reason to believe will, if
9 exported, be used, directly or indirectly, in violation of the
10
3
1 sovereignty, or the independence, or the territorial or admin-
1 lution through such officer or officers, or agency or agencies,
2 istrative integrity of any nation, whose sovereignty, inde-
2 as he shall direct.
3 pendence, and territorial and administrative integrity the
3
SEC. 5. It shall be unlawful to export, or attempt to
4 United States is obligated by treaty to respect.
4 export, or in any manner contribute to the export of, any
5
SEC. 2. The President shall issue from time to time as
5 article or material from the United States in violation of
6 may be necessary public proclamations specifying articles
6 the terms or conditions of any proclamation issued under
7 and materials to be retained within the United States and
7 section 2. Any person violating the provisions of this joint
8 denied export therefrom under this Act, and the extent to
8 resolution or any rule or regulation issued hereunder shall,
9 which and the terms and conditions under which such articles
9 upon conviction, be fined not more than $50,000 or im-
10 and materials shall be so retained and denied export. Any
12 THIOL
13
SEC. 3. Any proclamation issued under section 2 of this
14 Act, together with a statement of the facts upon which it
ENI 238.1.2
иогтилогая ТИЮ
10 prisoned not more than five years, or both.
11 such proclamation shall become effective on the date specified
15 is based, shall be transmitted by the President to the Con-
TRUST
16 gress forthwith, or, if the Congress is not in session, at the
17 beginning of the next session. If the Congress shall there-
18 after disapprove of such proclamation by concurrent resolu-
19 tion, such proclamation shall not be effective after the date
20 of such concurrent resolution.
21
SEC. 4. The President may, from time to time, pro-
22 mulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with
23 law, as may be necessary and proper to carry out any of
24 the provisions of this joint resolution; and he may exercise
25 any power or authority conferred on him by this joint reso-
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. J. RES. 143
JOINT RESOLUTION
&
To provide for retaining in the United States,
and denying export therefrom, articles or
materials to be used in violation of the sov-
ed
ereignty, independence, or territorial or ad-
Harla
ministrative integrity of any nation, con-
trary to the treaty engagements of the
United States.
aciomage 10 TO 10 door dysords noitul
Read twice and referred to the Committee "on
Foreign Relations
of igradis od Hula
ym) of TO Jhoqze
to noitaloiv ni botin't adminit TO abine
By Mr. SCHWELLENBACH
JUNE 1 (legislative day, MAY 31), 1939
roban bonesi do
OR
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TO
trinj
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. RES. 166
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JULY 18, 1939
Mr. VANDENBERG submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Foreign Relations
may
noisted
VIRGIN
RESOLUTION
1
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the
2 Government of the United States should give Japan the
3 six months' notice required by the treaty of 1911 for its
each .гзя .2
4 abrogation SO that the Government of the United States may
5 be free to deal with Japan in the formulation of a new
6 treaty and in the protection of American interests as new
7 necessities may require; and be it further
8
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the
9 Government of the United States should ask that the Con-
10 ference of Brussels of 1937, now in recess, should be reas-
11 sembled to determine, pursuant to the express provisions of
12 the Nine-Power Treaty of Washington of 1922, whether
13 Japan has been and is violating said treaty and to recom-
14 mend the appropriate course to be pursued by the signatories.
76TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. RES. 166
RESOLUTION
DD
Favoring the notification of Japan of the in-
tention of the United States to abrogate the
treaty of 1911.
By Mr. VANDENBERG
T1 JUE LEAVIE OL JULE UNILED
207 doubit oft AM
JULY 18, 1939
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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PSF:SAFE - Ballitt
1°
Paris, October 4, 1939.
Personal and
Secret
Dear Mr. President:
I enclose herewith three documents that will
interest you.
The long one beginning, "Dear Sir Edward" is
the communication on behalf of the French Government,
written by Jean Monnet, to the British Government,
in the person of Sir Edward Bridges, Secretary of
the War Cabinet, concerning the organization for
practical collaboration between the French and British
Governments.
You will note that it follows the lines established
in 1918. It is entirely sensible, I think; and I plead
guilty to getting the idea started and to getting Dal-
adier to put the matter in Monnet's hands.
Monnet
The Honorable
Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
The White House,
Washington.
- 2 -
Monnet accompanied Daladier to England for his
conferences with Chamberlain last week, and has spent
the days since talking with all the Cabinet Ministers
in England. He is confident that the British will
accept the organization as outlined by him in this
letter. I thought you would be interested in having
it in advance.
So far as the organization in the United States is
concerned, the present plan is to set up a joint Franco-
British purchasing agency, and not make purchases through
Morgan and Company or through any other bank or agent.
I have had a large enough finger in all this
business to be able to steer it, in case you have any
definite ideas as to what you want or do not want. Just
let me know.
The second and third documents have to do with
airplane orders in the United States. They were handed
to me tonight by Guy La Chambre.
The airplane situation is approximately the fol-
lowing: The French produced in the month of September
1939, 319 war planes. The British produced approximately
450 war planes. In addition, both the French and
British
- 3 -
British produced a considerable number of training
planes.
The French and British believe that the Germans
can produce approximately fifteen hundred planes per
month but can not go above that figure; and that the
Germans are now producing one thousand planes a month.
The French and British hope that their combined
production of war planes will amount to approximately
twelve hundred a month by next Spring. It is obvious
to everyone that if France and England are to obtain,
first, equality in the air, and then dominance in the
air, the productive capacity of the United States must
be called into play to a much larger degree than at
present.
The French realize that the production of motors
by Pratt and Whitney, Curtiss Wright, and Allison will
be in such large measure taken up by orders of the
American Army that it will be necessary for the British
and French to pay for enlargements of these plants 80
that their production may be trebled.
The present plan is to send to the United States,
as soon as the Neutrality Act shall have been changed,
persons
- 4 -
persons competent to carry through the business of
enlarging existing plants and placing of orders.
The French Air Ministry, and Daladier as well,
have great confidence in Colonel Jacquin who is now
in Washington; but business on the scale contemplated--
which will probably amount to a billion dollars--
will probably be placed in the hands of Monnet. Nothing
of course will be done until the embargo provisions
of the Neutrality Act shall have been eliminated.
You will note in the long and disorderly slip
of paper--handed me tonight by Guy La Chambre--which
gives the orders placed in America, that between now
and next February, one hundred Douglases and 215 Glenn
Martins are to be delivered; but that no Curtiss P-36s
are to be delivered between now and next February.
The reason for this is that the Curtiss P-36 production
between now and February has been taken by our own army.
In combat the P-36s have proved superior to the German
Messerschmidts and everyone, from the aviators who fly
them up to Daladier, is enthusiastic about them. Fifteen
of the P-36s have already been lost in combat and, in-
cidentally, have destroyed approximately 22 Messerschmidts.
It
- 5 -
It is vital at the present time for the French
to have replacements for the unit of 200 P-36s which
they got to France just before the war began. The
French are desperately anxious to buy more P-36s at
once, and would be glad to buy every P-36 that can
be produced in the United States between now and
December 1940.
I do not know the point of view of our army on
the P-36s at the present time; but I remember that last
January when we were discussing the question of this
plane, our army already regarded it as slightly antique,
and was especially anxious to get the P-40. If this
still remains the point of view of our army, and es-
pecially if our army has its nose more in the air than
last January with regard to the P-36, it occurs to me
that there might be a method entirely legal and not
offensive to our army by which the production of P-36
planes could be released for purchase by the French.
Is it not possible and desirable for our army to
declare that since it has a model - the P-40 - far
superior to the P-36, it is no longer interested in the
P-36 production?
I
- 6 -
I make this suggestion with full knowledge that
I am entirely ignorant with regard to the views of
our army at this moment. If there is anything to be
done in this sense, you will know, and I am certain
that you will do it.
There is another enormous hole in the French
defense against the German bombardment planes. The
French have practically no modern "projectors", that
is to say, search-lights for use against German bombardment
planes that arrive at night. The French search-lights
are too slow in action to follow the modern bombing
planes and there is an intense fear here that night
bombing of Paris and other vital centers may be most
terrible.
As you know, the only two manufacturers of search-
lights of this nature in the United States are General
Electric and Sperry. The French have approached these
two corporations and asked urgently for deliveries. They
have been told that deliveries by these companies have
been so fully pre-empted by our own army that the com-
bined production which can be sold to the French will
be 9 search-lights in February of next year; 15 in March,
and 30 in April. What will be left of Paris and other
French
- 7 -
French towns by that time remains to be seen.
I do not know whether or not there is any method
of increasing the production of these search-lights
or of releasing some of the present production to the
French. Will you have this looked into? It may be
vital.
My own view of the future is the following:
France and England will not accept the "peace ultimatum"
that Germany is contemplating. It may indeed never
be launched. Germany then will attack France with all
the force that she possesses or can acquire from the
Soviet Union and Italy.
The attack against France may be successful. I
do not believe that it will be.
If American production of airplane motors and bodies
can be trebled in eight months, dominance in the air
should be in the hands of the French and British by
August or September of next year. This dominance
could be increased greatly by the spring of 1941, and
at that time France and England might hope to defeat
Germany.
Germany's obvious avenue of escape then would be
to go Bolshevik and summon the Soviet armies. If French
and
- 8 -
and British dominance in the air should be sufficient at
that time, the Soviet Union would not dare to march and
France and England could impose a peace that would
prevent the destruction of everything civilized on
the continent of Europe by the Bolsheviks.
It is clear that the small nations of the world --
and that includes every nation as small or smaller than
Poland -- will no longer be able to exist unless at
the end of this war there can be established such a
dominance in the air of the United States, England and
France that the small nations can be protected without
vast losses of infantrymen.
The productive capacity of France and England in
airplanes is too small to achieve such dominance. The
future, therefore, will depend on the production of an
overwhelming number of planes in the United States.
I realize that France and England may be defeated
and destroyed before our American production can be
raised to a sufficient point to save them, but I hope
that will not be.
I am certain that there is no single problem con-
fronting you at the moment which is more important than
the
- 9 -
the problem of increasing our production of motors
and planes.
I think that the French and British will have
sense enough to be ready to pay cash for the extension
of existing facilities for production in the United
States and for the purchase of all the production of
those increased facilities, but it is obvious that
such an increase in production can be carried out
only with the fullest cooperation of our government
and it is also obvious that such cooperation will
depend entirely on yourself in the first instance.
I am sending this letter to you by special courier
on the CLIPPER, and I hope that it will reach you in
less than a week. If you have any comment or suggestions
to make, will you please send me back a word by the
same route.
The question of the P-36s is so urgent that if
you see a way to get deliveries of any number of these
machines however small for the French -- even a dozen
per month -- I hope you will send me a telegram con-
taining just one word, "Favorable". In that case, I
could have Colonel Jacquin phone immediately to Miss
Le Hand
- 10 -
Le Hand, who could put him in touch either with
yourself or any one you might designate. Both Daladier
and Guy La Chambre assure me that he is a man of the
utmost diseretion.
We are expecting the bombs to begin falling on
this house in about a week; but nobody either here
or anywhere else in France is disturbed by the prospect.
This people remains an example of what a nation should
be when faced by the ultimate realities.
Love and good luck.
Bill
October 1st
Dear Sir Edward,
This is a hasty note written quickly before leaving
for Paris. I am entructing it to Pleven who will bring it to
you and be at your disposal to comment on any part which I am
afraid might be obscure in view of the rush in which this letter
is dictated.
I am attempting only to cover the various points which
we discussed and to outline suggestions for the solution of some
of the problems which will face our two countries; some of these
problems have been met during the last war and were solved by
the organization which was created at the end of 1917, while
some others are new and might require original solutions.
In the main, the ideas and organization I have discussed
with you and the various British Ministries to whom you were
good enough to introduce me, are nothing else than the very ideas
and organization which finally, after three years of conflict,
the Allies had to recognize as essential, and were successfully
tested.
As regards the organization, there should be established
for each main category of needs an Anglo-French Council and
corresponding Permanent Executive Committee. The following
Councils and Committees could be immediately created:
Anglo-French Council of Armaments - Permanent Executive Committee
of Armaments,
"
"
"
" Aviation - Permanent Executive Committee
of Aviation,
"
"
"
" Food
- Permanent Executive Committee
of Food,
"
If
"
" Maritime Transports Permanent Executive
Committee of Sea Transports.
2.
The requirements of certain raw materials, such as:
coal, oil, timber, are likely to be so important that it might
be well justified to have special Executives dealing exclusively
with these products. Also certain groups of supplies, such
as for example wheat, sugar, etc., which are grouped under the
heading of Food may require special Executives such as wheat,
sugar, etc. This can be worked out as and when necessary.
Such an organization should necessarily be in close
touch with the Economic Warfare organization, as it is clear
that the programmes of purchases of the Executive Committee will
be very often influenced by the necessities of Economic Warfare,
while the existence of the Committees and of their joint pur-
chasing organizations will in many cases assist the action of
the Economic Warfare.
On the model of what was created in the last war, the
Councils could be composed of the respective English and French
Ministers and would deal only with questions of broad policy, and
would issue general directions to their Permanent Executive
Committees.
The Permanent Executive Committess would be constitu-
ted by a few technicians of both countries; their duty would be:
a) to establish and keep an inventory of the resources
and requirements of both countries,
b) to secure the best utilization in the common interest
of the resources of the two countries in raw material, means of
production, etc.,
c) on the basis of the national programmes communicated
to them by their respective national Administrations, to formulate
the joint allied import programmes,
d) to organize the purchases to be made in common abroad
through single purchasing agencies,
3.
e) to follow the execution of these programmes.
The principle of purchases being made for joint
account through single agents in the various foreign countries
seems to be of paramount importance, but probably nowhere will
prove more essential than in the United States. In this connec-
tion you will remember the explanations I have given you about the
precautions to observe and the methods to follow when France and
England will be able to purchase war material in the United States,
particularly aviation material.
In many countries the establishment of joint purchases
might also lead to the joint purchasing organization becoming
the agent of neutral countries for their own purchases, with the
result that the allied purchasing organization would thus become
the principal factor in many markets and, in certain cases, the
only purchaser of certain products.
Such a situation would give the Allies among other advan-
tages a great power in influencing prices and conditions of credit.
Distinct from the executives which deal with the
programmes of needs, the task of the shipping Council and
Executive would be to arrange for the transportation of the
supplies to be imported under the joint programmes.
So as to coordinate the work of the various Councils
and Committees, there might be a small Economic War Council
which might be constituted by a member of the British Government
and one of the French Government. To this Council, which
would meet when needed, would be referred problems such as
those which would arise if a shortage of maritime transport
facilities or of means of foreign exchange made it necessary
to curtail the joint programmes or to establish priorities
4.
between them. This Council would keep the Supreme Council
informed and would refer to the latter questions of policy
for which a decision of the Supreme Council might be necessary.
As said above, the above shheme is simply an adapta-
tion or an extension to present circumstances of the organiza-
tion which, under the pressure of difficulties and after consid-
erable waste of time, our two countries had to establish about
the end of 1917. Our aim to-day is to tackle the problems
at once and before they are forced on us by the pressure of
events.
In the execution of the programs, it is likely that
the main difficulties will arise in connection with shipping
and finance.
As to shipping, we have the experience of the last war
to guide us.
It is obvious that France will be short of shipping
and therefore that a certain balance will have to beprovided
for her imports. This problem might not become so acute in
this war as it was in 1914-1918, since the Admiralty, giving
us the lead by applying immediately the methods adapted at the
end of 1917, appears optimistic as to the limited scope of
submarine destruction. Nevertheless there will be a shortage.
The difficulty in the last war was solved, after three years of
disorderly negotiations and much trouble, by an agreement made
in November 1917, and it would greatly simplify everything
if we reverted to the principles then adopted.
As to finance, the difficulty is going to be the limit-
ed resources of gold and foreign exchange of our two countries.
Indeed the problem of financing foreign imports will be an impor-
tant one which never existed to a similar extent in 1914-1918
5.
because we could draw on the financial resources of the U.S.A.
both before 1917 and after.
This question is evidently much more complex than any
of the others which the allied organization will be called upon
to deal with. I will take advantage of my visit to Paris to
take up this matter with Mr. Paul Reynaud, but already: I suggest
you give thought to the possibility of the two Governments asking
the two Treasuries to consider the best methods of securing aldo
in the financial field the coordination of efforts of the two
countries in a manner which will permit the working of the Allied
organization in relation to finance.
I will inform Mr. Daladier of the various conversations
that I have had with you and the various British Ministries
of generally our common understanding of the problems.
I expect to be back before the end of the week and
I hope then to be in a position to work out with you a common
plan of action, which could then be submitted to our two Govern-
ments for their approval.
I am grateful for the assistance which you have so
kindly given me.
With kind regards, believe me,
Yours sincerely,
d Octobe i Ferrier
100 Douglas
215 g&n
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1
NOTE
au sujet des Commandes actuellement passées
en AMERIQUE.
Les commandes actuellement conclues par le Colonel JACQUIN
comprennent 530 appareils CURTISS P.36.
Les négociations sont en cours pour 550 appareils GLEEN
Curber
MARTIN et 450 appareils DOUGLAS et IOO appareils/P.40.
En outre, les moteurs nécessaires pour ces appareils, envi-
ron un millier de moteurs PRATT & WIDNEY destinés à des appareils
français est en cours de livraison.
Enfin, la mission JACQUIN est prêt de conclure l'achat de
I.440 moteurs CYCLONE double rangée, destinés à équiper des ap-
pareils français.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS
From: Paris
I
Number 2487 Dated: 10-17-10
Code: D
Caption: Personal and Secret
for the President
This telegram has been distributed to:
and
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u
Please advise the Division of Com-
munications and Records if further dis-
tribution should be made.
Mappox
DEST
repm:
support
IPSF, Safe, Bullitt]
7°
FS
This telegram must bE
Paris
closely paraphrased bE-
fore being comm nicated
Dated October 17, 1939
to anyone. (D)
REC'd 7:15 a.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
2487, October 17, 10 a.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
With reference to Enclosure No. 1 to my letter of
October 4, 1939, I now have the text of the agreement which
Monnet concluded in London for the coordination of French-
British Economic activities during the war covering ship-
ping, air production and supply raw materials and muni-
tions, oil and food.
Monnet was informed by the British Government that
you had indicated to Lothian that you considered a British
mission preferable to a purchasing corporation. The
question will bE decided in Paris tonight or tomorrow.
BECAUSE of the pooling of resources by the French and
British Governments achieved agreement the French Govern-
mEnt is inclined to believe that it would bE preferable
to make purchases in the United States through a single
joint Franco-British mission.
My opinion is that a joint Franco-British mission
would bE the most Efficient mechanism.
Question ONE.
FS 2-No. 2487, October 17, 10 a.m. from Paris.
Question one. Do you agree?
I assume from Morgenthau's talk with St. Quentin
on September 13, 1939, that such a joint mission would
bE able to find the same sort of cooperation in Washington
that was accorded last winter to Monnet.
Question two. Is this assumption correct?
HPD
BULLITT
[PSF, Safe Bullitt]
JT
This telegram must bE
PARIS
closely paraphrased be-
fore bEing communicated
Dated May 14, 1940
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 3:53 p.m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
RUSH
657, May 14, 7 p.m.
SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR TIE PRESIDENT.
The GErmans have launched the greatest attack of
modern times on the French army from the point where the
Maginot line Ends at Montmedy northwastward to the line
Sedan Givet Dinant Namur. They have put in four armored
divisions and many other troops and an overwhelming number
is
of tanks and airplanes. This/as you know, the shortest
road to Paris.
The BElgians have been obliged to fall back to the line
of Namur Louvain Malines Antwerp. Dutch resistance has
bEEn almost crushed.
At this moment news has reached the French general
staff that certain dispositions of airplanes and troops
indicate that Mussolini is contemplating making a direct
attack on France and that hE has adjourned his attack on
Yugoslavia.
There
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
LONE
-2- #657, May 14, 7 p.m., from Paris
There are literally no French planes available to
face an Italian attack and the Italian aviation would
bE able to bomb southern and southwestern France at will.
(END SECTION ONE)
BULLITT
CSB
JT
This telegram must bE
PARIS
closely paraphrased bE-
fore bEing communicated
Dated May 14, 1940
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 5:03 p.m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
RUSH
657, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION TWO)
I have talked with Eyewitnesses of the German bombings
in BElgium and Luxemburg, including the Archduke Otto and
BECH, Foreign Minister of Luxemburg. NEither men, women,
nor children are bEing spared and the tales of horror
pass bEliEf.
No one in Paris doubts that Mussolini is contemplating
pleasurably the infliction of similar atrocities. Informa-
tion reaching the French Foreign Office today which LEgEr
has just given ME indicates moreover that the Italians
are trying to provoke incidents which will give them an
EXCUSE for attacking France. ThE Italian colony in Tunis
has become most provocative and insults to French and
English in Italy continue.
BULLITT
NPL
LONE per
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
1
THE SECRETARY 5/14/40
657 - Paris. -sec. 3.
THIS TELEGRAM IS NOT YET COMPLETE.
1
-
FURTHER SECTIONS WILL BE DELIVERED
WHEN AVAILABLE.
Sections 1,and2 were
delivered at 6:30 P.M,
than
JHIS IB
THE SECU
'h
PAP
PARIS
This tElEgram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore bEing communicated
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 5:25 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
657, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION THREE).
Nearly EVEry member of the French Government and many
French senators have appealed to me today to ask you to
make a final effort to keep Italy from Entering the war
as Germany's ally. Telegrams from the French Ambassador
in Rome today report that the Italian press is filled with
praise of the American Government and its friendly gesture
in Eliminating certain duties on Italian goods. Poncet
reports that this is being interpreted to mEan that the
Government of the United States approves of Mussolini's
present policies. Since you have handed Mussolini A carrot
of this variety I trust that you have not forgotten THE club.
The suggestions that have bEEn made to me are like
following:
(OnE) That the most powerful weapon to Employ against
Mussolini would bE a statement by the Pope based on purely
spiritual grounds denouncing the barbarities which Germany
has inflicted on the Netherlands, BElgium and Luxemburg.
BULLITT
NPL
to strong
TOLE PEIN
GJOB cToBeTa
une
HAS
PAP
PARIS
This tElEgram must bE
closely paraphrased be-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore bEing communicated
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 6:55 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
657, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION FOUR)
I have bEEn requested by numerous members of the French
Government to ask you to USE all the influence you have to
persuade the Pope to make such a declaration. It is pointed
out that his telegrams to the sovereigns of the Netherlands,
BElgium and Luxemburg were in the nature of political acts
whereas what is needed is a declaration on the acclesiastical
and spiritual plane which centuries ago would have taken
the form of Excommunication of Hitler and Germany.
Two. SEVERAL members of the French Government and the
Argentine Ambassador have suggested to ME that if all the
countries of Latin America should join in denouncing the
invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg, and if
this denunciation should bE fully supported by you the vf-
fect in Italy would bE important.
BULLITT
WWC
geonepond
SOLE perus
GJOSEJA be
1178 FATED
of
PAP
PARIS
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased be-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore bEing com unicated
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 8:05 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
657, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION TIVE)
(Three) It has bEEn suggested to me by many persons
that you might let Mussolini know privately that in CASE hE
should go to was at this time as Hitler's ally you would
do everything in your power to cut off from Italy all im-
migrant remittances and other funds which Italy ordinarily
receives from the United States.
(Four) All the members of the government including
Reynaud, the Senators, and others with whom I have talked
today have implored mE to obtain more plants immediately
and have become EXCEEDINGLY depressed when I Explained that
so far as I knew no plants were available.
You vill have thought of other possible methods of
influencing Mussolini and I do not wish to make this tele-
gram any longer but I must End it by saying the unless action
is immediate it will come too late and that no one in
France, general or statesman, believes that France can re-
sist an attack by Italy at this time when EVEry available
man
3000
of
goat
945
PAP -2- 657, May 14 7 p.m. (SECTION FIVE) from Paris
man in the French army is needed to stem the German advance
through BElgium.
(END OF MESSAGE)
BULLITT
NPL
Pres.
[PSF, Safe, Bullitt]
PAP
PARIS
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore being communicated
to anyone. (D)
REC'd 6:55 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
659, May 14, 7 p.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT:
I received from Rome at 7 o'clock this Evening
Ambassador Phillips' rush 341, May 14, noon.
I fElt that it was my duty to communicate the informa-
tion it contained immediately to the Prime Minister. HE
was in a meeting of the War Cabinet but came out and I
communicated the information to him at 7:10 p.m.
HE said that the British Ambassador in Paris had just
given him the same nEWS. HE Expressed the opinion that
Italy certainly would Enter the var on the side of Germany
and might EVEN attack France tonight.
I asked where hE EXPECTED the attack. HE said that
it might come in Tunis or might bE begun by bombardments
of the Riviera and Marseille by Italian plants.
The Prime Minister went on the say that hE felt
Mussolini had decided to act at this moment because of the
appalling
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
PAP -2- 659, May 14, 7 p.m. from Paris
appalling success which the German army had had in the
sector Nontmedy-Sedan. HE said that the GErmans had attacked
with colossal tanks and at the same time with a totally
overwhelming mass of bombardment planes and pursuit planes.
(END SECTION ONE)
BULLITT
WWC
PAP
PARIS
This tElEgram must bE
closely paraphrased be-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore being communicated
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 6:40 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH.
659, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION TWO)
ThE German tanks had crossed the River MEUSE as if it
did not Exist. They had run through the French anti-tank
defenses which consisted of railroad rails sunk deep in
concrete and protruding from ground as if the rails were
straw. They had crossed the anti-tank traps and had complete-
ly demolished the concrete fortifications by which the
Maginot Line had been Extended in that region since the
beginning of the war.
REynaud then said "at this moment there is nothing
between those German tanks and Paris".
HE stated that the French were attempting a counter
attack to cut off the raids made by this German tank ad-
vance but hE did not know what hope of success remained.
Even without the participation of Italy, France faced one
of the gravest and most terrible moments in her history.
With the participation of Italy the result would bE tragic
not only for France and England but for EVEry country in
the world including the United States.
BULLITT
USTO
PAP
PARIS
This tElEgram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore bEing communicated
to anyone (D)
Rec'd 6:43 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
659, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION THREE)
WE were at one of the most terrible moments in human
history. France would fight on but the French soldiers,
brave as they were, could not stand against simultaneous
attacks by tanks on the ground and bombs and machine
gun bullets from the air.
Reynaud then implored mE to obtain additional aeroplanes
from the United States. I told him I feared there were
none to bE had.
HE then said that the war with Italy would involve
Italian submarine attacks on all shipping in the Mediterransan.
The British and French had an inadequate number of destroyers.
HE knew that the United States had a large number of old
destroyers which could bE used Effectively against sub-
marines. HE implored mE if possible to have the Government
of the United States declare these destroyers to bE without
military value and SEll them to the French and British
Governments.
BULLITT
WC
PAP
PARIS
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased be-
Dated May 14, 1940
fore bEing communicated
to anyonE. (D)
Rec'd 8:10 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
659, May 14, 7 p.m. (SECTION FOUR)
HE then went on to say that hE had just talked with
the British Prime Minister on the tElEphonE. The British
had been obsessed by thE idea that the seizure of Belgium
and the Netherlands was merely a preparation for air
attacks on England. HE had convinced Churchill at last that
the real objective of the German army was the destruction
of the French army and Churchill had agreed to send all
the British plants available to assist the French in the
Montmedy Sedan sector.
Reynaud again referred to the overwhelming Effect of
the attack of heavy tanks combined with incessant bombing
from the air.
In conclusion hE thanked mE with genuine gratitude for
having given him the information I had communicated and
said once more that at this moment WE faced the Enclavement
not only of Europe and of Africa, but also the rest of the
world by a barbarism which would crush twenty centuries of
Christian civilization.
(END OF MESSAGE)
BULLITT
NPL
PSF Safe File
Bullitt
TELEGRAM RECEIVED
NPL
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased be-
FROM
PARIS
fore being communicated
to anyone (D)
Dated May 16, 1940
Rec'd 5:05 p.m.
SECRETARY OF STATE,
WASHINGTON.
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
706, May 16, 6 p.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
I should like to speak what follows into your
most pricate Ear at the White HOUSE and to have no record
of it. It is the sort of hypothesis that WE often dis-
cuss but never put on paper. However, I cannot talk with
you so here goes.
It seems obvious that unless God grants a miracle
as at the time of the battle of the Marne, the French
army will bE crushed utterly. The British, who have not
yet sent to France the quantities of pursuit planes that
they have in England to protect their factories, (they
have Exactly two squadrons in France) are already begin-
ning to bE critical and contemptuous of the French.
That was the tone of the British Ambassador when hE spoke
to ME this morning.
I think that it may possibly bE of the utmost 1m-
portance for the future of the United States that you
should have in mind the hypothesis that, in order to
Escape from the ultimate consequencedof absolute defeat,
2 706 May 16, 6 p.m. from Paris
the British may install a government of Oswald Mosley
and the union of British fascists which would cooperate
fully with Hitler. That would mean that the British
navy would bE against us.
I think that, perhaps by way of a conversation with
Mackenzie King or some direct arrangement with the officers
of the British fleet, you ought to try to make certain
that in case the war goes as badly as it may, the British
fleet would base itself on Canada for the defense of the
dominion which might become the refuge of the British
crown.
NPL
BULLITT
SECRET SEGRET
FROM: STATE DEPARTMENT
190530CR1
19 MAY 1940
TO : \PRESIDENT U.S.
VIA : NAVAL RADIO WASHINGTON
AMBASSADOR BULLITT SAYS REGARDING A CONVERSATION HE HAD LAST NIGHT
WITH PREMIER REYNAUD THAT THE PREMIER FEELS THAT THE SITUATION IS EXTREM-
LY ***** SERIOUS. GERMAN DRIVE IS DIRECTED TOWARDS CHANNEL PORTS TO INT-
ERCEPT FRENCH TROOPS IN BELGIUM AND TO SECURE BASES FOR ATTACKS ON GREAT
BRITAN . IF GERMANY IS SUCCESSFUL ,BECAUSE OF HER GREATER IMMEDIATE STRENGTH
AND GAINS THESE OBJECTIVES ,THE ALLIES MIGHT BE BEATEN INSIDE OF SIXTY
,
DAYS.
PREMIER REYNAUD WANTS THE PRESIDENT TO MAKE A DECLARATION
THAT THIS COUNTRY'S INTERSTS WILL NOT ALLOW IT TO PERMIT THE ALLIES TO BE
DEFEATED. BULLITT TOLD HIM THAT SUCH A DECLARATION WOULD HAVE NO GREAT
VALUE BECAUSE OF CONGRESS. REYNAUD SAID HE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND ATTITUDE
OF CONGRESS WHEN ULTIMATE DEFEAT OF U.S. IS AT STAKE. BULLITT REAFFIRMED
THAT PUBLIC OPINION IN AMERICA IS NOT READY FOR SUCH A STEP. REYNAUD RE-
PLIED THAT IT AT LEAST WOULD ENCOURAGE ALLIES AND DISCOURAGE THE ENEMIES
AMBASSADOR BULLITT IS TRANSMITTING REQUEST REQUEST FOR PREMIER WHO
WANTS AN EARLY REPLY TO HIS PLEA.
AMBASSADOR AGREES WITH ESTIMATE OF GRAVITY OF SITUATION BUT DOESNT
BELIEVE SUCH A STATEMENT WOULD HAVE THE DESIRED EFFECT.
DISTRIBUTION
PRESIDENT
ACTION
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
NAVAID
FILE
SEGRET
SECRET
SECRET
[PSF, Safe, Bullitt]
REB
GRAY
Paris
Dated May 20, 1940
Rec'd 2:20 p. m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
772, May 20, 5 p. m. (SECTION ONE)
As I said to the President by telephone this afternoon
at four o'clock there are on the roads of France today
moving southwastward from three to five millions refugees.
So little can bE done to hElp them, that French women
and children literally are dying of starvation on the
roads.
Whenever possible the German aviators bomb these
columns of refugees and machine gun them.
Last night by chance I met the wife of the Minister
of Blockade Madame Georges Monnet who had bEEN at Soissons
attempting to Evacuate small children. They were walking
on the road toward Paris since they had nomeans of
transportation and she was trying to keep them singing
to hElp their little feet to move. Two German aeroplanes
cameldown and machine gunned them and the road was filled
with little bodies.
The same story I have from fifty witnesses French
and American
BULLITT
CSB
REB
GRAY
Paris
Dated May 20, 1940
REC'd 3:06 p. m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
772, May 20, 5 p. m. (SECTION TWO)
For Example, Mr. Barton Hall succeeded in getting
through to Paris last night from Compiagne. HE said
that although the train service is running the Germans
appEar to bE well informed of the departure of EVERY train
for Paris and immediately the train leaves the station
it is subjected to attack. Other means of transportation
no longer Exist and the streets of Compiagne are filled
with dead horses and human corpses. According to Mr. Hall
no one in Compiegne EXPECTED that town to bE subjected to
attack from air since it had bEEn transformed into a
sanitary center and a large number of wounded had bEEn
brought to its hospitals.
The hospitals as well as all the rest of the city
have been the object of almost continuous bombardment for
the last 10 days.
Chautemps
REB -2- #772, From Paris, May 20, 5 p. m. (SECTION TWO)
Chautemps, who is in charge of the terrible problem
of handling the refugees, said to me today that hE
Estimated that there WERE at least three million
old men, women and children on the roads. HE could
not possibly find means to care for them. The most
terrible thing was that in France, French women and
children were dying of starvation. HE implored me to
try to obtain immediate hElp.
BULLITT
CSB
FS
GRAY
Paris
Dated May 20,1940
Rec'd 1:55 p.m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
RUSH
772, May 20, 5 p.m. (SECTION THREE).
I talked with Wayne Taylor, representative of the
REd Cross in Paris, and hE stated that what I have re-
ported above did not give one-tenth of the truth. The
barbarities of the Germans and the sufferings of the
French were tEn times more horrible. HE Estimated that
there were at least five million persons on the road
and that a vast number of these would die of starvation
and illness unless they could bE cared for by American
hElp.
I asked you over the telephone to try to get Congress
to vote today twenty million dollars for the succor of
these refugees. In the opinion of Wayne Taylor this sum
would not bE sufficient. HE believes that whatever should
bE given could bE Expended most efficiently through the
French RED Cross.
It should bE Expended for food, clothing, medicines
and beds which, might be be furnished in kind from the United States.
I
FS 2-No, 772, May 20, 5 p.m. from Paris (SECTION THREE)
I implore you to attempt to obtain the VOTE from
Congress today. It is our duty to ourselves and to
humanity to try to save as many lives as WE can save
from the onslaughts of barbarism.
(END OF MESSAGE).
CSB
BULLITT
JT
PLAIN
PARIS
Dated May 20, 1940
Rec'd 3:46 p.m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
778, twentisth.
I have just received a letter from Chautemps, Vice
Prime Minister, who is in charge of the problem of rEfu-
gEES, giving a description of the suffering of the French
civilian refugees in the course of which hE Estimates that
three million refugees are now on the roads. HE concludes
by the statement "Many among them are women and children
wounded by the EnEmy machine guns. In one little village
which is not a military objective and is known only for the
splendor of its historical monuments, a hospital containing
twelve hundred beds was SET up at the beginning of the war.
Yesterday that hospital alone took in 3200 wounded civilians
of whom two-thirds had to remain standing because there
were no bEds for them and no room for them to lie down.
This pathetic horde because of the lack of transport can
receive less than the minimum of food necessary to sustain
life.
BULLITT
CSB
Hold
HSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated May 22, 1940
before being communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 6:25 a. m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
802, May 22, 10 a. m.
Your 430, May 21, 7 p. m.
Please inform Secretary Early that the description
I telephoned is contained in my RUSH 772, May 20, 5 p.m.,
and in my 778, May 20.
BULLITT
RR
[PSF, Safe, Bullit}
MP
This telegram must bE
Paris
closely paraphrased be-
fore bEing communicated
Dated May 22, 1940
ro anyone. (D)
Rec'd 3:05 p. m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington
RUSH.
823, May 22, 6 p. m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT:
Take the shortest line from 1914 angels to a
shelled cathedral and remember taxicabs and hope.
BULLITT
HPD
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS
From: Paris
Number: 825 Dated: 5-23-9a
Code: Dray
Personal Caption: for the Prisident
This telegram has been distributed to:
&
n
Please advise the Division of Com-
munications and Records if further dis-
tribution should be made.
11
common
IPSF, safe, Bullit]
OR
26001
HSM
GRAY
Paris
Dated May 23, 1940
REC'd 7:52 a, m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
825, May 23, 9 a. m.
PERSONAL FOR THE PRESIDENT.
Aunt Bill Hooper (your cousin Elsie) arrived in
Paris last night from the American Hospital in Etretat
where orders were given to all civilians to Evacuate.
ShE came by automobile with Dr. Fuller and her two nurses.
For five hours they came through the stream of
refugees from Belgium and northern France. Aunt Bill
stated to me this morning that the scenes of weariness
and hunger passed description. As far as the EYE could
reach on EVEry road in EVERY direction were streams of
old men, women and children moving without hElp. Aunt
Bill asked mE on her b Ehalf to implore you to send ships
instantly with food and medicines, pointing out quite
rightly that the need is instant, immediate and terrible.
(END SECTION ONE),
BULLITT
RR
HSM
GRAY
Paris
Dated May 23, 1940
Rec'd 7:02 a. m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
825, May 23, 9 a. m. (SECTION TWO)
WaynE Taylor told ME yesterday that you did not
wish to introduce a bill in Congress until after the
close of the RED Cross drive. I understand but I hope
that this will not delay by one hour the sending of aid.
Aunt Bill did not (repeat not) SEE any machine-
gunning of these streams of refugees.
Will you please inform her brother Charlie Perkins
and other members of her family that she is in better
health than for a long time and that she EXPECTS to
leave by automobile for Biarritz today accompanied by
Dr. Fuller and her two nurses. She asked mE to give
you this personal message:
"Please tEll Franklin that I myself have SEEN the
need and nothing could bE more terrible." (END OF MESSAGE).
BULLITT
DDM
PSF Safe the
Bullitt
JR
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Paris
fore bEing communicated
to anyone. (D)
Dated May 27, 1940
REc'd 8:15 a.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH.
892, May 27, 11 a.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY:
Your 493, May 26, 4 p.m., requires handling in the
most delicate possible manner at this moment, and cannot
bE communicated in crude terms at a time when the
determination is absolute to fight on land to the bitter
End.
I will have to present it as a desire on our part to
bE of assistance if the worse comes to the worst. I shall
do so with Extreme care. I trust that you have taken
EVERY precaution to make certain that nothing crude COMES
to Paris via London on this subject.
BULLITT
HPD
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
PSF Safe File Bullitt
HSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated May 28, 1940
before being communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 8:30 a. m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
RUSH
912, May 28, 11 a. m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
The BElgian Ambassador called on me this morning at
9:30 a completely broken man. HE said that the King's
action in ordering the Entire BElgian army to surrender,
without consulting Either GENERAL Gort or General Blanchard
or informing the Belgian Government, was an act of dishonor
without parallel in history. Since a King without honor
was nothing, the King no longer Existed. The Prime Minister
of BElgium would denounce the King's action this morning
on the radio and would announce that it was illegal since
such acts had to bE countersigned by the Prime Minister
and would call on all BElgians to go on fighting.
The BElgian Ambassador went on to say that hE had
come to ask mE whether in view of the treachery and dis-
honor of the King the invitation of the President to the
Royal children still stood. (END SECTION ONE).
BULLITT
HPD
HSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated May 28, 1940
before bEing communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 7:28 a. m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
RUSH
912, May 28, 11 a. m. (SECTION TWO)
I replied that I had of course had no communication
with you on this subject; but that I fElt that you would
not wish to visit the sins of the father on the children
and that your invitation would stand.
I went on to say that on the other hand several
serious problems now arose. If the King had ordered his
army to betray its Allies hE doubtless had done so after
a previous agreement with the GErmans with regard to his
personal life. The King might now bE on his way back to
his Palace in Brussels and might desire to have his children
join him and although hE had forfeited by his action of
treason all rights as a King hE still had humane rights
as a father.
At this point the BElgian Ambassador interrupted me
to say that yesterday Evening shortly before the news had
arrived
hsm -2- No. 912, May 28, 11 a.m. (Section 2) from Paris
arrived of the King's order to his army to surrender hE
had received a telegram from the King stating that hE
was most grateful (*) and to mE and that hE desired his
children to proceed immediately to Lisbon and to leave
for the United States.
BULLITT
RR
(*) apparent omission
RSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated May 28, 1940
before bEing communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 8:35 a. m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
RUSH
912, May 28, 11 a. m. (SECTION THREE)
I said, however, that this telegram of the King's
might WEll bE considered canceled by his subsequent action
and that I believed that hE, the Ambassador, should con-
sult the BELGIAN Prime Minister and the other members of
the BElgian Government who are now in the BElgian Embassy
in Paris with regard to the future plans of the Royal
children. It might EVEN bE that the BElgian Government
would desire to proclaim the Crown Prince King.
In any EVENT after the BElgian Government should have
decided what it considered WISE the BElgian Prime Minister
accompanied by him, the Ambassador, should call on the
French Prime Minister and should obtain the full assent
of the French Government to future plans for the Royal
children.
BULLITT
RR
HSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated May 28, 1940
before bEing communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
REC'd 7:30 a. m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
RUSH
912, May 28, 11 a. m. (SECTION FOUR)
I added that I would take no action EXCEPT in full
accord with the French Government and the BElgian Govern-
ment and that I would desire to have written statements
from both Governments before attempting to SET in motion
any mechanism for the transfer of the Royal children to
America.
The BELGIAN Ambassador said that hE considered my
advice was wise and that hE would consult the BElgian
Prime Minister as previously SET forth.
I added once more that it must bE clear that the
American Government would have nothing whatsoever to do
with regard to the decision to bE made as to the Royal
children. My part would bE if you should consent to
attEmpt to arrange a mechanism by which the mutual decision
of the French and Belgian Governments could bE carried out.
(END MESSAGE).
BULLITT
HSM
743t
PSF Safe Bullitt File
JT
This telegram must bE
PARIS
closely paraphrasedbe-
fore being communicated
Dated May 28, 1940
to anyone. (D)
REc'd 7:17 p.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
929, May 28, 10 p.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
Spaak, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium,
asked to SEE me this Evening and I received him at
7 o'clock.
HE said that hE wished to thank me for thE state-
ments that I had made this morning to the Belgian
Ambassador with regard to the Royal children. (SEE
telegram No. 912 of May 28, 11 a.m.).
HE went on to say that since the King had committed
an act which dishonored not only himself but also the
Entire BElgian nation from which the honor of BElgium
could not recover for a hundred yEars it was impossible
for anyone to EXPECT you to receive the Royal children
at the request of a man whose name would go down in
history as the synonym of dishonor.
It was his present opinion and that of the Belgian
Government that you should not bE asked to receive the
Royal children. They should bE kept in France in the
horrible
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
-2- #929? May 28, 10 p.m., from Paris
horrible and remote chateau where they are now lodged.
HE trusted that if you should receive a further appeal
from the traitorous King LEopold you would ignore it.
(END SECTION ONE)
BULLITT
HPD
JT
This telegram must bE
PARIS
closely paraphrased be-
fore being communicated
Dated May 28, 1940
to anyonE (D)
REC'd 7:22 p.m.
Secretary pf State,
Washington.
929, May 28, 10 p.m. (SECTION TWO)
Since this is the position of the Belgian Govern-
ment the question of the opinion of the French Government
does not rise and the children will remain in France.
In discussing the action of the King, Spaak said
that since the beginning of the war thE BELGIAN Ministers
had been shocked to perceive on many occasions that thE
King had no sense of loyalty whatsoever to his Allies.
They had tried to impress on him the fact that since hE
had appealed to the British and French for aid, hE was
obliged to give EVERY hElp in his power to the French
and British. HE had said if the Germans asked him to do
anything against the French and British hE would abdi-
cate at once. The fact was that hE had committed the
most terrible act of treachery and a crime against the
French and British and apparently was so without moral
sense that hE did not realize the depth of his infamy.
(END MESSAGE)
BULLITT
HPD
[Inay 31, 1940
Bullitt:
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referring To The Attantic
that breanse anch
Then sminks mi of mother
Wine who math rabbit
I there give
your a fist The disposition
of aur ships butit your
Kains it your would not
continue fantroirs
Incidentally further string
stips were Then yrstephing
by me in regard W The
Malitersanian Threet
Rurnish
[PSF, Safe, Bullitt]
FS
This telegram must bE
Paris
closely paraphrased bE-
fore being communicated
Dated May 31, 1940
to anyone. (D)
REc'd 6:42 a.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
962, May 31, noon (SECTION ONE)
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL FOR THE PRESIDENT AND THE
SECRETARY.
Your 534, May 30, 3 p.m.
The French Government is fully aware of the vitally
useful part that our fleet is playing in the Pacific.
Reynaud in appealing to me to request you to send
the Atlantic fleet to the Mediterrantan said "WE are
most grateful for the presence of your fleet in the
Pacific. Without firing a shot it is keeping the war
from spreading to the French and British Empires in the
Far East. WE hope it will stay there. Your Atlantic
fleet can play exactly the same role in the Mediterran-
Ean".
RR
BULLITT
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
JR
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Paris
fore bEing communicated
to anyone. (D)
Dated May 31, 1940
REc'd 7:25 a.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH.
962, May 31, noon. (SECTION Two)
I bELiEVE that if WE had sEnt the Atlantic fleet on a
visit Either to Greece or Tangier when first I made the
recommEndation more than two WEEKS ago Mussolini would not
have dared to treat pressure of our Government to keep him
out of war in the manner that hE has.
I gather from your telegram under reference that you
now consider inevitable the Entrance of Italy into the
war.
I feel sure that you realize the consequences that a
stab in the back by Italy at this moment may have for France
and England as well as the consequences it may have later
this year for South America and the United States. I trust
that no member of the American Government is still charishing
in the words of Reynaud "fatuous and naive illusions as to
the virtues of Mussolini" and that the moment hE stabs you
will take EVEry Economic and financial measure that
constructive imagination can devise to weaken Italy.
RR
BULLITT
JR
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased DE-
Paris
fore being communicated
to anyone. (D)
Dated May 31, 1940
REC'd 6:45 a.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH.
962, May 31, noon (SECTION THREE).
To believe that the Government of the United States
will bE able EVE? to cooperate with Mussolini is as
dangerous to the future of America as would have been
the belief that our Government could cooperate with Al
Capone.
The latest information of the French Goverrnment
indicates that Mussolini will make war on France on June
4.
I am sure you realize the bitterness that such a blow
will produce.
May I inform the French Government when stating--as I
must in view of your telegram under reference--that there
is no hope whatsoever the Atlantic fleet will come to
Tangier, that the moment Mussolini strikes Economic and
financial measures will bE taken at once by our Government
to make the lot of the aggressor hard?
Anything
-2- #962, May 31, noon (SECTION THREE) from Paris.
Anything you can do now will leave Mussolini less
strength with which to cooperate with Hitler in attacking
the Americas.
At this moment words are not Enough. IndEEd
unaccompanied by acts they are rather sickening. (END
MESSAGE)
BULLITT
RR
NAVY DEPARTMENT
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID
PAYMENT OF postage, $300
OFFICE OF CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
X
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
General Edwin M. Watson
PERSONAL
and
CONFIDENTIAL
Safe File: Bullitt
[PSF, Safe, Bullit]
yes.
JT
GRAY
PARIS
Dated June 10, 1940
Rec'd 10:13 p.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
1132, June 10, 6 p.m.
PERSONAL FOR THE PRESIDENT
I have just received from Paul Reynaud,
President of the Council of Ministers, the following
message to you. HE telephoned to me and asked me to
transmit it immediately since his own code clarks could
not possibly do the work. This is the full text of the
m ESSAGE referred to in my telegram sarlier today.
"Mr. President: I wish first to Express to you
my gratitude for the generous aid that you have decided
to give to us in aviation and armament.
For six days and six nights our divisions have bEEn
fighting without one hour of rest against an army which
has a crushing superiority in numbers and material.
Today the EnEmy is almost at the gates of Paris.
WE shall fight in front of Paris; WE shall fight
behind Paris; WE shall close ourselves in one of our
provinces
-2- #1132, June 10, 6 p.m., from Paris
provinces to fight and if WE should bE driven out
of it WE shall Establish ourselves in North Africa to
continue the fight and if necessary in our American
possessions,
(END SECTION ONE)
BULLITT
NPL
EG
GRAY
Paris
Dated June 10, 1940
Rec'd 3:05 p.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
1132, June 10, 6 p.m.
(SECTION TWO)
A portion of the government has already left Paris.
I am making ready to leave for the front. That will bE
to intensify the struggle with all the forces which WE
still have and not to abandon the struggle.
May I ask you, Mr. President, to Explain all this
yourself to your people to all the citizens of the
United States saying to them that WE are determined to
sacrifice ourselves in the struggle that WE are carrying
on for all free men.
This very hour another dictatorship has stabbed
France in the back. Another frontier is threatened.
A naval war will begin.
You have replied generously to the appeal which I
made to you a few days ago across the Atlantic. Today
this 10th of June 1940 it is my duty to ask you for new
and EVEN larger assistance.
BULLITT
RR
PAP
GRAY
PARIS
Dated June 10, 1940
Rec'd 3:10
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
1132, June 10, 6 p.m. (SECTION THREE)
At the same time that you. Explain this situation to
the men and women ofAmerica, I beseech you to declare pub-
licly that the United S,ates will give thE Allies aid and
material support by all means "short of an expeditionary
force". I DESEECH you to do this before it is too late.
I know the gravity of such a gesture. Its very gravity de-
mands that it should not bE made too late.
You said to us yourself on the 5th of October 1037:
"I am compelled and you are compelled to look ahead. ThE
peace, the freedom and the security of 90% of the population
of the world is bEing jeopardized by the remaining 10% who
are threatEning a breakdown of all international order and
law.
BULLITT
CSB
CK
GRAY
Paris
Dated June 10, 1940
Rec'd 11:30 p.m.
SECRETARY of State
Washington
RUSH
1132, June 10, 6 p.m. (SECTION FOUR)
Surely the 90% who want to live in pΓace under law
and in accordance with moral standards that have received
almost trusty acceptance through the centuries, can and
must find some way to make their will prevail,
The hour has now come for these. Paul Reynaud".
I SEE no reason why you should not make public this
message from REynaud. HE would bE only too happy if
you should make it public.
BULLITT
EMB
PSF Safe File Bullitt
JT
GRAY
PARIS
Dated June 11, 1940
Rec'd 4:40 p.m.
SECRETARY of State,
Washington.
1154, June 11, 6 p.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
Samuel Wiley, our Consul at LE Havre, who reached
Paris after having bEEn bombed and machine gunned heavily
while crossing the SEinE has given me a description
which is terrible of the sufferings of the refugees
from the upper SEine district who are pouring
southwastward.
I implore you Either to take the relief of these
refugees out of the hands of the REd Cross or to put
an admiral instantly in charge of the relief with full
authority to act under the REd Cross as suggested in
my previous telegram transmitted on this subject today.
I sent you that telegram after lunching with Wayne
Taylor and Dean Jay, both of whom feel as I do that the
REd Cross has not acted with Either the speed or the
afficiency that must bE demanded of EVERY organization
today.
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
Moreover,
NPL
-2- #1154, June 11, 6 p.m., from Paris
Moreover, they are both as shocked as I am that
the RED Cross has made no arrangements to send other
ships immediately to follow the MCKEESPORT. WE
must have two ships a WEEK immediately Each one carry-
ing a million dollars worth of supplies.
BULLITT
HPD
PSF Safe Bullitt File
JT
This telegram must bE
PARIS
closely paraphrased bE-
fore being communicated
Dated June 11, 1940
to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 6:10 p.m., 12th
Secretary of State,
Washington.
REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED
RUSH
1149, June 11, 3 p.m.
PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRESIDENT.
The Evacuation of Paris has added a million to the
number of mEn, women, and children who are moving into
southwestern France whose lives can bE saved only by
American aid.
You will recall that when I described to you over
the telephone about 3 WEEKS ago the condition of the
refugees from BElgium and northern France you said that
you would ask Congress inmediately for $20,000,000 to
keep them alive.
Later I was informed that at the request of the REd
Cross which was putting on a drive for funds you would
not ask for this sum or any other from the Congress
until the conclusion of the REd Cross drive,
I was furthermore informed by you over the telephone
that within three days a ship entirely filled with REd
Cross supplies would leave the United States for Bordeaux.
(END SECTION ONE)
BULLITT
NPL
HSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated June 11, 1940
before being communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
REc'd 11:35 a. m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
1149, June 11,
(SECTION TWO)
Since I was under the illusion that the RED Cross
would handle this matter with the urgency and Efficiency
demanded by the sufferings of the refugees I did not
suggest that you ignore the REd Cross and have recourse
to the Congress.
The ship whose sailing you promised in three days
has not yet lEft the United States. This ship the MCKEES-
PORT I am authoritatively informed is thE only ship which
has been chartered by the RED Cross. There are now six
million persons in southwestern France who will die unless
American aid for them is organized immediately with the
utmost Efficiency.
BULLITT
RR
JR
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased bE-
Paris
fore being communicated
to anyone. (D)
Dated June 11, 1940
Rec'd 10:18 a.m., 12th.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH.
1149, June 11, (SECTION THREE)
This is no time to bE a respecter of persons. I
consider criminal the negligence of the REd Cross in failing
to organize a regular supply line to Bordeaux three WEEKS
ago. I am now convinced that the officials of the Rad
Cross are incompatent to organize relief on thE scale
demanded. The problem is as great as thE problem of feeding
and supplying the Entire French Army.
I suggest that today you take the organization of a
supply line to Bordeaux out of the hands of the REd Cross
and place it in the hands of the most competent Admirol
of the United States Navy. Or you might place an Admiral
in thE REd Cross with complete power to act.
At least two ships a WEEK should reach Bordeaux from
this moment on.
You cannot tolerate today the incompetence of any
individual or organization which is preventing supplies from
reaching dying French mEn, women and children.
CSB
BULLITT
HSM
Paris
This telegram must bE
closely paraphrased
Dated June 11, 1940
before bEing communi-
cated to anyone. (D)
Rec'd 12:25 p. m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
RUSH
1149, June 11
(SECTION FOUR)
Harry Hopkins telephoned to mE about a week ago
to ask ME the amount I Estimated would bE needed for the
maintenance of life in southwestern France this year.
As hE doubtless told you I stated that I thought at least
$100,000,000 would bE needed.
I have discussed this question fully with Wayne
Taylor and hE agrees with me that this sum is not an
overestimate. Two ships a week, $1,000,000 a ship.
Please take action today and do not tolerate for
personal or any other reasons continued incompetence in
saving lives.
The mere fact that the ship which you promised would
arrive on May 30 will not reach France before June 30
should bE sufficient Evidence to justify your acting in
the most drastic manner. (END MESSAGE).
BULLITT
RR
Relations
belongs_to