File No. 763.72/9109

Memorandum of the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs ( Williams)

[Extract]1

Mr. Laboulaye of the French Embassy called on February 21 at 5 p.m., and stated that the French Government was very eager to have the Chinese send a military expedition to the western battle front. He hoped that the United States would support the proposal.

[Page 634]

I informed him of the telegram received from Mr. Crosby to the effect that the British Government was of opinion that no tonnage could be spared for the transport of such an expedition, that a great deal of tonnage would have to be withdrawn from present uses to transport American troops and that this would render impossible a supply for the other purpose.

Mr. Laboulaye expressed surprise, but added that of course France would prefer to have the American troops, but that from a political viewpoint the other was to be regarded as of great importance. I agreed with him in this statement.

  1. Portion not printed is a discussion of proposed currency loan to China.