861.77/1681: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Wallace) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:22 p.m.]
1614. London Embassy’s 1230, August 13, 6 p.m. to the Department regarding Chinese Eastern repeated to me and also Department’s instructions to ascertain French Government’s attitude.66
I visited the Foreign Office and from informal interview I gather that regard for the Russo-Asiatic Bank, which is nearly one-half French owned, has caused the Foreign Office to delay in making known its position. I understand that the bank is now seeking to obtain loans for financing the railroad and that the Foreign Office is waiting to learn the results of these efforts, which it should soon, before definitely stating its attitude. In case the bank fails in this the French will be prepared to join with the American and British Governments in making representations to Japan to have the consortium undertake the financing of the railroad. The French Government is not unwilling, I understand, to pay what is due for the transportation of French troops, but it is stated by the Foreign Office that the French Government never made any agreement to pay for the transportation of the Czecho-Slovak Army.