أوراق بقلم كرزون بشأن الشرق الأدنى والأوسط [و‎‎١‎٢‎٩] (٣٤٨/٢٥٧)

boundaries of the Treaty of 1918. Nothing would be more unfortunate than to put
a treaty before the Mouse of Commons against which there voted a considerable
minority. It would destroy not only the graciousness of the gift, but would
permanently weaken its value. I should like, if the Pact were concluded, to hand
it to France by the unanimous voice of both blouses of Parliament, but, if this were
found to be impossible, at any rate let the minority be small and inconspicuous.
The Ambassador expressed a very strong hope that we might be able to meet
the French case over articles 42 and 43 of the Treaty of Versailles.
I said, in reply, that while I could not dispute the right of the French Govern
ment to raise and to press this question, and while situations might arise out of the
violation of those two articles which might be tantamount to acts of aggression
against France, [ could not hold out the slightest hope that we should be able to
accept the French proposal. It would be regarded by British opinion as embarking
upon a policy of military adventure and potential danger.
His Excellency felt confident that even in this respect we should be able to find
a formula, a refuge to which he has an extraordinary fondness for retreating when
in difficulty.
I expressed the gravest doubt as to whether any formula could be found to cover
the situation, and told him that f thought he must contemplate refusal on that point.
In leaving, his Excellency told me, £t a titre personnel ” (a qualification which
he habitually employs when he is at all afraid of geting a rap over the knuckles at
Paris) that he did not attach any value to the suggested consultations between the
two General Staffs. As a matter of fact, they would in the ordinary course of
business—granted that the agreement existed between us—confer from time to time,
-and he did not see the necessity of putting any provision to this effect into the treaty.
On the other hand, he urgently requested me not to repeat these personal views
at Paris.
I am. &c.
CURZON OF KEDLESTON.