462.00 R 296/273: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:45 p.m.]
147. The Prime Minister sent for me today and discussed situation of the experts’ report. He has received absolute assurances from Germany that the Government will accept it; the same assurances from Italy and a statement from Italian Ambassador that their expert on Reparation Commission will act with the British. The Prime Minister has had a favorable letter from France through Lord Crewe,15 but not definite, and a noncommittal reply from Belgium evidently influenced by France’s attitude. He is using utmost endeavors to obtain absolute unanimity for an unconditional acceptance, and he will go so far as to insist upon this, or he will raise the whole question of the legality of the occupation of the Ruhr, tariffs, and the Saar administration. He told me unofficially [Page 13] that he knew that the American Government is not in any way committed officially and that it was not officially represented, although American citizens had done valuable work on the committee. He was, however, wondering if the American Government would consider whether some statement of its views, while in no way committing it to action, might help European Governments to take wise steps at the present moment. His suggestion was that, without committing our Government to any definite action, you might approve or praise the commission’s [committee’s?] report and express view that it seems a fair basis for action. He said he was aware that the American Government was not directly interested and that he did not desire to involve it, but that some of the European Governments, by reason of elections and other circumstances, are in a difficult position, and, he felt sure, would welcome a pronouncement that would make it easier for them to do the right thing. He thought that if this statement could emanate from Washington it would render great service to Europe.
The Prime Minister believes that the report will be accepted, but he thinks that a word from you would, at this time, be very valuable. He said that he made the suggestion with some hesitation but added that he knew that neither my Government nor I would misunderstand it.
- British Ambassador in France.↩