462.00 R 296/695: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Whitehouse) to the Secretary of State
493. L–247, from Logan. Department’s L–143, November 11, 5 p.m.
1. Before I approach Herriot and Clémentel I should like to have Department’s views and instructions on following formula for French position: French Government freely to recognize equitable right of the United States to participate in Dawes annuities; France and the United States were allies in the Great War, both suffered damages and losses and are entitled to settlement from the common enemy; both incurred army costs in the Rhineland. The United States did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles but signed peace treaty with Germany in which the United States reserved and Germany granted same rights and privileges as those to which the United States would have been entitled under the Treaty of Versailles. On reparation account, the United States, unlike the Allied Governments, makes no claims for pensions or family allowances but only for actual damages done to private citizens and property. Dawes annuities represent total of the payment to be made by Germany for war costs for many years to come and unless the United States receives [Page 75] some payment from these annuities no payment at all will be received; French Government believes that it would be highly inequitable if the United States could not satisfy its just claims and French Government freely agrees to American participation in distribution of the Dawes annuities. Modality of that distribution is matter for consideration by Finance Ministers’ conference.
Before talking with Herriot and Clémentel it is best, in my judgment, to have some definite approved formula to suggest which can be reduced to writing and signed by either of them and in my possession before our Government’s position on the French loan is announced definitely. I feel that a formula along the lines suggested in paragraph above meets the situation and in all probability would have the support of the French Government. I should be grateful to have approval as soon as possible or receive instructions for modifications.
2. I am not expecting any difficulty from Belgium in supporting the formula on the lines proposed, but I expect there will be British opposition and I am not altogether sure of the Italians. I feel, however, that if I get French and Belgian approval to formula, announcement of which in the press this week I can arrange with the French and the Belgians, we can win over the Italians and probably the British. The latter, I think, would hesitate on account of public opinion to oppose a thesis that is so preeminently equitable and that carries with it Belgian and French indorsement. The formula once adopted, the field for our settlement eventually would be cleared.
3. Was ill recently but am now attending expert committee, though I have not taken any active part as questions of principle have not yet arisen. I shall soon be forced to take a positive position. Repeating telegram to Brussels and London. Logan.
- Telegram in two sections.↩