462.00 R 296/679: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Whitehouse) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:10 p.m.]
472. L–243, from Logan.
(1) The first meeting of the experts convened Monday, October 27, and additional meetings were held Tuesday and Wednesday. To date questions discussed relate almost exclusively to adjustment Ruhr occupation accounts, a matter which in my opinion it is best for us to keep out of. We have had representatives at these meetings with listening brief exclusively, for purpose of keeping me advised in regard to developments and general attitude. Had I attended these meetings personally the question of our claims would [Page 70] have been precipitated immediately. It is my opinion that general atmosphere this week is not one of the best for presentation of our position. I shall attend the meetings of the expert committee in the first part of next week and shall then intimate as much of our claims position as may be advisable before the actual meeting of the Finance Ministers.
(2) Last week I had a conversation with Herriot and Clémentel65 before whom I set forth the general lines of our claims. Both assured me that French support could be counted on provided that our annual charge on German all-inclusive annuity were kept within reasonable limits. I informed them that annual charge for both American Army costs and claims could probably be brought to a figure not varying greatly from annual charges already provided by Agreement of May 25, 1923, for Army costs alone, although necessarily for longer period. They told me that settlement on this basis was substantially all they wanted and that French delegates, therefore, would support our position at the conference. From what Ambassador Kellogg writes me, I expect British opposition which may have to be handled through diplomatic channels. I shall keep in close touch with Kellogg, who will undoubtedly be in a position to aid.
The Italian position is not clear, but I do not expect difficulties unless the Italians should line up with the British. It would help if the position of the Italian Finance Minister at the conference were sounded out through the American Embassy in Italy, and if it were ascertained to be unsympathetic a little pressure through diplomatic channels might materially aid our negotiations.
(3) It is Clémentel’s opinion that the actual meeting of the Finance Ministers will not be before the latter part of November at earliest.
(4) Referring to query in paragraph 3 of Department’s L–128, October 11, 6 p.m. When Finance Ministers’ conference does convene I shall need legal assistance. Because of general reorganization of the Reparation Commission I shall be left without legal assistance, and for that reason I request Department to send someone here to act as my assistant, someone, preferably, with legal training, who speaks French and has a knowledge of the Department’s attitude on questions at issue.
(5) I have been indisposed for a few days but will be out of doctor’s care tomorrow. Logan.
- M. Etienne Clémentel, French Minister of Finance.↩