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  4. Document 53

Paris Peace Conf. 180.03401/73½

CF–73A

Notes of a Meeting Held at Mr. Lloyd George’s Residence at 23 Rue Nitot, Paris, on Monday, June 16, 1919, at 6:45 p.m.

Paris, June 16, 1919, 6:45 p.m.
  • Present
    • United States of America
      • President Wilson.
    • British Empire
      • The Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George, M. P.
    • France
      • M. Clemenceau.
      • Lt.-Col. Sir Maurice Hankey, K. C. B. (Secretary).
      • Professor P. J. Mantoux (Interpreter).

1. There was a short discussion as to the attitude taken up by Marshal Foch in regard to the possibility of an advance on Berlin. Attention was drawn to the contrast between Marshal Foch’s confidence a few weeks ago and his attitude at the meeting earlier in the afternoon. It was generally agreed that nothing had been elicited from the Marshal which gave a satisfactory explanation of this change, which had been felt most to be due to his desire for the adoption of a separatist policy. In this connection it was pointed out that ever since his visit to London, after the Armistice, the Marshal had been aiming at certain objects rather on the old fashioned lines of policy. Action in the Event of the German[s] Refusing To Sign: Marshal Foch’s Attitude

M. Clemenceau asked that a decision as to the action to be taken might be postponed for twenty-four hours as he wished to consult Marshal Pétain and perhaps, Marshal Foch himself.

2. The attached declaration by the Governments of the United States of America, Great Britain and France in regard to the occupation of the Rhine Provinces was signed by President Wilson, M. Clemenceau and Mr. Lloyd George (Appendix I). Declaration by the Governments of the United States of America, Gt. Britain and France in Regard to the Occupation of the Rhine Provinces

Villa Majestic, Paris, 16 June, 1919.

[Page 522]

Appendix to CF–73A

Declaration by the Governments of the United States of America, Great Britain and France in Regard to the Occupation of the Rhine Provinces

The Allied and Associated Powers did not insist on making the period of occupation last until the Reparation Clauses were completely executed, because they assumed that Germany would be obliged to give every proof of her good will and every necessary guarantee before the end of the fifteen years’ time.

As the cost of occupation involves an equivalent reduction of the amount available for reparations, the Allied and Associated Powers stipulated, by Article 431 of the Treaty, that if, before the end of the fifteen years’ period, Germany had fulfilled all her obligations under the Treaty, the troops of occupation should be immediately withdrawn.

If Germany, at an earlier date, has given proofs of her goodwill and satisfactory guarantees to assure the fulfilment of her obligations the Allied and Associated Powers concerned will be ready to come to an agreement between themselves for the earlier termination of the period of occupation.

Now and henceforward, in order to alleviate the burden on the reparations bill, they agree that as soon as the Allied and Associated Powers concerned are convinced that the conditions of disarmament by Germany are being satisfactorily fulfilled, the annual amount of the sums to be paid by Germany to cover the cost of occupation shall not exceed 240 million marks (gold). This provision can be modified if the Allied and Associated Powers agree as to the necessity of such modification.

  • Woodrow Wilson
  • G. Clemenceau
  • D. Lloyd George
16 June, 1919.