462.00 R 296/494: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg)
295. (1) The Department has noted from your recent telegrams that there is some objection to the payment of our claims and that although the Allies appear to be disposed to have this Government invited to the finance meeting, they have not recognized in principle our right to participate in payments under the Dawes Plan. The Department feels that the Allied Governments should be committed to the principle of this Government’s participation before the conclusion of the present conference on the application of the Dawes Plan, but the Department prefers to delay instructions until the Secretary’s return tomorrow evening. If, however, there is likelihood that the conference will conclude final agreement before you receive instructions, you are to endeavor to postpone final conclusion until the Department has the opportunity of instructing you after the Secretary’s return.
(2) If you are unable to have final conclusion postponed you may then endeavor to obtain express recognition of the principle of this Government’s participation in payments under the Dawes Plan. If unsuccessful in this, then you should state that this Government would not view with favor utilization by the Allies of German resources and payments in such a manner as to prevent the full payment of American Army costs and other claims.
(Approved by the President.)