Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎145v] (290/348)

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8. The question whether and, if so, to what extent Egypt should participate in the
conference raises certain difficulties. Egypt is not at war with Turkey and did not
formally break off relations with that country. On the other hand, the questions dealt
with in the Treaty of Shvres relating to Egypt, while of a technical character, are of
considerable importance, especially in their bearing upon the relations of Egypt with
His Majesty’s Government. Moreover, although Egypt did not sign the Treaty of
Sevres, the status of Egypt has altered since the date of the signature of that treaty.
While, therefore, it is probable that an Egyptian delegation will have to be present at
the seat of the conference, the question whether she should participate in the preparation
of the clauses of the new treaty relating to Egypt and their signature, and, if so, in
what lorm, is a matter which cannot be settled at the present moment. Meanwhile, I
am in communication on the whole subject with the Egyptian Government, but it will
not be necessary to send Egypt any formal invitation from the three Powers before the
conference meets.
9. As your Excellency is aware, the Hedjaz did not actually sign the Treaty of
Sevres, although invited to do so. As King Hussein has consistently refused and still
refuses to accept the mandatory principle, I see no reason to suppose that he would
participate in the signature of a new treaty in which that principle will again be
recognised. There does not therefore appear to be any reason why the three Powers
should send an invitation to Mecca.
10. I enclose for your Excellency’s consideration drafts of notes—
(a.) To the Governments of Japan, Roumania, Jugoslavia, Greece, Turkey (both
Constantinople and Angora); and
(b.) To the Russian Soviet and Bulgarian Governments ;
(c.) To the S wiss Government.
As soon as your Excellency has had time to examine these drafts, I would propose
that you should instruct the French Ambassador here to signify your concurrence as to
the drafting modification, if any, which you desire to make in them. I would then
collaborate with Count de Saint-Aulaire and the Italian Ambassador here, to whom I
would ask his Government meanwhile to send similar instructions. I would suggest it
should be le f t to us to fix the date upon which each Government should send off* the
identic telegrams. In the case of Russia, they would be despatched direct to Moscow.
In the case of the United States, Japan, Roumania, Jugoslavia, Greece, Bulgaria and
Switzerland, they would be despatched to the respective representatives of the principal
Allied Powers for communication to the said Governments. Perhaps the telegram to
the Swiss Government should, as a matter of courtesy, be sent off a few days in advance
of the other telegrams. As regards Turkey, I would suggest that the telegrams should
be sent to the three High Commissioners for communication to the Government of
Constantinople, and to Hamid Bey, for transmission to the Government of Angora.
1. I have not hitherto raised with your Excellency the question of the participa
tion of the United States in the conference, but your Excellency will doubtless have
noticed from the press certain indications that the United States might desire to take
part in the discussion on the question of the Straits. It would, I feel, be in the general
political interests of all the Powers concerned that such participation, if possible,
should be secured. I have, therefore, thought it well to prepare for vour Excellency’s
consideration a tentative draft of an invitation from the three principal Allied Govern
ments to the Government of the United States.
Believe me, &c.
CURZON OF KEDLESTON.
Enclosure 1 in No. 1.
To the Government of Japan.
I HE Governments of Great Britain, Trance and Italy have the honour to invite the
Japanese Government to send representatives to Lausanne to open negotiations on the
13th November with a view to conclude a final Treaty of Peace between the Allies and
I urkey.
It lias been agreed by the Governments of Great Britain, France and Italy that
their representatives shall have full powers, but that these plenipotentiaries shall not
exceed the number of two.