Edward Stettinius Biography and Timeline

Moscow Declaration Calls For Organization

The four power Moscow Declaration called for a general international organization based on sovereign equality.

Allies Prepare Washington Conversations

American British Soviet and Chinese governments prepared negotiations on a future organization for peace and security.

American Delegation Meets Allies

United States representatives participated in negotiations on the proposed postwar security organization.

British Delegation Presents Proposals

The British delegation contributed its government's planning for the structure of a world organization.

China Joins Separate Negotiating Phase

Chinese representatives later met American and British delegations after the Soviet phase ended.

Chinese Phase Opens In September

Talks with Chinese representatives began on 29 September following the Soviet phase.

Collective Enforcement Powers Proposed

The delegates considered measures that the proposed organization could take against threats to peace.

Delegates Plan General Assembly

Negotiators proposed a general assembly in which member states would participate.

Delegates Plan Security Council

The talks produced a proposal for a Security Council with primary responsibility for international peace.

Dumbarton Oaks Conversations Conclude

The full series of Washington conversations concluded on 7 October.

Dumbarton Oaks Site Is Selected

Diplomats arranged to hold the international security talks at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington.

Economic And Social Council Proposed

The conference proposed a council for coordinating international economic and social cooperation.

Economic Cooperation Structures Discussed

Delegates envisaged mechanisms for cooperation on economic and social questions.

Edward Stettinius Leads American Delegation

Edward Stettinius headed the United States delegation at Dumbarton Oaks.

International Court Is Envisaged

The Dumbarton Oaks proposals contemplated an international court of justice.

Membership Criteria Enter Discussions

Delegations debated which states should be eligible for membership in the international organization.

Military Assistance Arrangements Considered

The proposals envisaged agreements to make armed forces available to support Security Council decisions.

Military Staff Committee Is Proposed

Delegates outlined a military staff committee to advise and assist the Security Council.

Nonpermanent Council Seats Proposed

Delegates developed plans for additional Security Council seats filled by elected members.

Obligations To Settle Disputes Considered

The proposed principles required members to seek peaceful solutions to international disputes.

Organization Proposals Are Published

The participating governments released the Dumbarton Oaks proposals on 9 October.

Peaceful Settlement Procedures Debated

Negotiators discussed procedures for resolving international disputes without armed conflict.

Permanent Membership Takes Shape

The proposals contemplated permanent Security Council seats for the major Allied powers.

Regional Security Arrangements Examined

The negotiators examined the relationship between regional arrangements and the proposed world body.

Restriction On Force Is Proposed

Negotiators considered principles limiting threats or the use of force in international relations.

Roosevelt Praises Conference Results

President Franklin D Roosevelt publicly welcomed the progress represented by the Dumbarton Oaks proposals.

Secretariat Structure Is Drafted

Delegates outlined a permanent secretariat and a senior administrative officer for the organization.

Security Council Voting Remains Disputed

The participating governments failed to settle the precise voting arrangements for the proposed Security Council.

Sovereign Equality Becomes Foundational Principle

The emerging proposals placed sovereign equality among the principles governing membership.

Soviet Delegation Joins First Phase

Soviet representatives participated in the first phase of the Dumbarton Oaks conversations.

Soviet Phase Ends In September

The United States British and Soviet phase of discussions ended on 28 September.

Trusteeship Questions Remain Open

Questions about colonial territories and trusteeship remained unresolved at Dumbarton Oaks.

Washington Security Conference Opens

Delegates opened the Dumbarton Oaks conversations on 21 August.

Malta Conversation with Eden

Meets Anthony Eden to coordinate diplomatic issues before the delegations continue to Yalta.

Role range: 1939-1945

US Polish Frontier Proposal

The American delegation proposes using the Curzon Line in northern and central sectors while seeking a southern adjustment that would leave Lwow with Poland.

Role range: 1939-1945 – 1944-1945

Presents Security Council Voting Position

Presents the American position on voting procedure in the proposed United Nations Security Council.

Role range: 1939-1945

Accepts Curzon Modifications Formula

The United States delegation raises no objection to a Soviet proposal placing Poland's eastern frontier on the Curzon Line with five-to-eight-kilometre adjustments.

Role range: 1939-1945 – 1944-1945

Discusses United Nations Conference Site

Discusses membership, timing and location for the conference that will draft the United Nations Charter.

Role range: 1939-1945

Discusses Territorial Trusteeships

Reviews proposed trusteeship arrangements for mandates, former enemy territories and territories voluntarily placed under trusteeship.

Role range: 1939-1945

Reviews Remaining Poland Issues

Reviews unresolved questions concerning Poland, reparations, the United Nations, Iran and Yugoslavia.

Role range: 1939-1945