763.72119/8332: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Wallace )
9400. Your 1837, December 18, 11 p.m. For Wallace and Rathbone.93 Referring paragraph 1, reference Austria. The United States cannot send money to Austria without Congressional authorization. For your information the Treasury has asked Congress to authorize use of certain funds for relief in Europe exclusive of Germany which will primarily be used for aid to Austria and the neighboring states. Consult Rathbone who has full information. For your information the financial situation is such that as practical [Page 246] matter the entire final burden of relief given will probably fall on the United States. It is, therefore, necessary and right that the United States should insist on such plan and management of the relief as she desires. We believe a coordinated plan for relief in Europe is the only solution which promises effective aid with the least financial outlay—that is, to have the relief plan managed in such a way as will from benefits received bring about, in spite of political jealousy, cooperation in aid to each other among the various states assisted. The extending of relief must be treated as a purely economic problem and the United States will not allow the funds to be so used as to further European political purposes. To this end we are inclined to limit voice in the direction of such relief to those countries only which contribute substantially toward it. It is believed Great Britain alone can give any substantial aid and it is thought that it will be willing to cooperate along lines suggested. Reserve agreement to any plan until instruction received from the Department.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Albert Rathbone, Assistant Secretary, U. S. Treasury; unofficial representative on the Organization Committee of the Reparation Commission, after Jan, 10, 1920, the Reparation Commission.↩