740.00119 Council/5–2648: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
1918. Personal for Douglas. We had assumed that continuing consultation re consequences resulting from institution of program for western Germany was implicit in maintenance joint front. Accordingly we are agreeable to Massigli’s suggestion first par. urtel 2245.1 As regards consultation on local military situation, suggest direct talks between military commanders who would keep their Govts advised. Appropriate secrecy would of course be observed consistent with aim to avoid provocation to Sovs.
Dept has no strong views on method nomination to constituent assembly although we believe this should, if possible, accord with responsible German opinion and we agree direct elections preferable. Inconceivable that conference could break down on this issue and your two suggested formulae acceptable to us, if concurred in by Clay.
[Page 283]Appreciate your proposal re treatment of French note and will act accordingly.
- Not printed.↩