Herbert Hoover

The conclusion reached by the Secretary of State has my approval, and I recommend that the Congress authorize an appropriation of $530 to be paid to the French Company of Marine and Commerce.

It is the most important of international conferences of a great many years, and probably the most important for many years to come.

The technology and the complexities of the problem are such that we need hope for no immediate and quick results.

There is a very great feeling of good will not only on the part of the people of the different countries but on the part of the governments themselves to the success of the Conference.

The difficulties in finding a basis are very great, but they are not insuperable.

There is good will toward the Conference on the part of every nation.

I am in hopes that the people of this country will show patience and give encouragement and keep free from criticism.

The importance and the gravity of the occasion have been recognized in the dispatch to London of the leading men of every country.

The progress of peace for the world rests in a great measure upon the shoulders of the five delegations.

Permanent peace is never based on either taking advantage of or accepting a position of prejudice.

We go to London in a fine atmosphere and with a good spirit on the work of the commission, and we must preserve it, if we can, through the period of negotiations.

To complete the Conference in 3 or 4 months would be, in itself, a great accomplishment, and we should not expect any hurried conclusions.

I am sure the whole Nation bids Godspeed to the American delegation that leaves tomorrow for the London Naval Arms Conference.

The difficulties of finding a basis that will be acceptable to five different nations are great, but they are not insuperable.

The conclusions of the Conference must be such as to give a sense of security and satisfaction to each of the nations.

The people and the governments of the five nations assembling at this meeting are sincerely desirous that agreement shall be brought about by which competition in construction of naval arms is brought to an end, and by which actual…

The whole occasion was merely to give them encouragement and the assurance of complete support from this side in any conclusions which they may come to.

I recommend that, as an act of grace and without reference to the question of the legal liability of the United States, an appropriation in the amount of $500 be made to effect settlement of this claim in accordance with the recommendation…

I also desire to reciprocate all Your Majesty's good wishes for the new year.

The resolve to advance world peace by mutual good will and by the limitation of naval armaments is the earnest purpose of the British and the American peoples and of their governments and it is my hope, as it will be the endeavor of the…

I am happy to receive Your Majesty's message of new year wishes.

I have emphasized the necessity for this reorganization by the appointment of Mr. [Charles J.] Rhoads as head of the Bureau and Mr. [J. Henry] Scattergood as his assistant.

It is our intention to repair the present executive offices and make the attic and the roof fireproof this time.

The steel companies inform me this morning that the effect of the drive is already showing in their orders, which are beyond their expectations.

The present offices will serve all purposes for the next few years, and I am much more anxious to expedite the erection of the departmental buildings, which are so urgently needed.