The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1920-11-26
NOTE FROM AM
ERICA IS POLITE =
BUT STRONG
COLBY SPEAKS FRANKLY TO
BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE
SECRETARY OF STATE DE.
cLARES HIS. GOVERNMENT
DOES NOT PROPOSE TO BE
EXCLUDED FROM PARTIClPA.
TON IN RIGHTS SECURED
UNDER TREATIES

UNDER TREATIES
Washington, Nov. 25.-The Am
erican government has informed
Great Britain politely, but firmly,
that it does not propose to be ex-
cluded from participation in the
rights and privileges secured under
mandates provided in the treaties Of
peace. Furthermore, it expects to be
heard regarding the terms Of those
mandates before they are put into
force.
The position of the United States
is set forth in a note by Secretary
Colby to Earl Curzon, the British
secretary Of state for foreign af-
fairs, and the specific question dis
cussed is that of the Mesopotamiam
petroleum fields. Mr.. Colby's note
is dated November 20 and was made
public today following its delivery
to the British foreign Office early
this week. It is in reply to British
note Of last August 9, which deals
with the application Of the princi-
pies of equality of treatment to the
territories of the Near East to be
placed under British mandate.
The American note takes issue
with what is described as the British
position that mandate agreements
and treaties are to be considered on
ly by states that are members of the
league Of nations. It states that the
United States, as participant in he
world war "and a contributor to it's
successful issue," can not consider
any of the associated powers, the
smallest not less than itself, debar-
red from discussion of any of its
consequences, or from privileges
secured under the mandates pro-
vided in the treaties of peace.
Pledge Is Welcomed
Mr.. Colby says in his note that
the American government accepts
the statement of the British govern
ment that it has refrained from ex-
plotting the petroleum resources of
the inundated territories in question
a." welcomes your pledges" that it
is far from the intention of Great
Britain Ito establish any kind Of
monopoly or preferred position in its
own interest"
~ need hardly refer again." Mr..
Colby continues, "to the fact that
the government of the United
States has consistently urged that it
is of the utmost Importance to the
future peace of the world that alien
territory transferred as a result of
the war with the Central powers
should be held and administered in
such a way as to assure equal treat
ment to the commerce and to the
citizens Of all nations. Indeed, it
was in reliance upon. an understand
ing to this effect, and expressly in
contemplation there Of, that the
United States was persuaded that
the acquisition. under mandate of
certain enemy territory by the vic
torious powers would be consistent
with the best interests of the
void.
1T is assumed, accordingly, that
your statements with reference to
mandate a (not described) together
with the statement that the draft
mandates for Mesopotamia and
Palestine have been prepared with a
y ew to secure quality Of treatment
for the commerce and citizens of all
states which are members of the
league of nations, do not indicate a
supposition on your part that the
United Statst can be excluded from
the benefits of the principle of
equality of treatment"
RETURNS TO ARREVrLE