I would invite the attention of the Prime Minister [1] and
yourself to Circular Telegram B.73, Part 2 [2], in which it says
the existing obligations of the British Government in connection
with a possible attack on Czechoslovakia are comprised in (1) and
(2). The latter (2) reads 'Their obligations as a signatory of the
Treaty of Locarno as re-affirmed by the arrangement drawn up in
London on 19th March, 1936.'

This categorical statement in regard to (2) disturbed me
considerably, for I had recently informed the Prime Minister that
Great Britain had no definite commitment in regard to
Czechoslovakia except under the vague obligation under the
Covenant of the League, to which all States Members were a party.

I accordingly sent a telegram (copy attached) to the External
Affairs Officer, London. [3] I am also attaching a copy of the
reply received. [4] It will be seen that the opinion which we gave
was correct, and that the telegram in question was badly drafted.

As this is a most important point, I feel that this note should go
on your file as a permanent record.

W. R. H[ODGSON]