462.00 R 29/254: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Belgium (Whitlock)
[Paraphrase]
Washington, July 8,
1920—1 p.m.
57. Give Boyden, American unofficial representative on Reparation Commission, the following information:
- 1.
- Contents of your no. 91 of June 30.
- 2.
- Department has been informed by Jugoslav Legation that its Government fears that at Brussels or Spa an attempt will be made to reduce part of indemnity apportioned in Paris to Jugoslavia, in favor of Germany and Italy, and requests that if such decision is made United States will not consent to it. We have replied that this Government is not sending an official representative to attend the conference at Spa but it still adheres to the principle established by signed agreement between President Wilson, Lloyd George and Clemenceau of April 30, 1919, quoted in Department’s no. 1202 of July 2 to the Embassy in Paris for Boyden, and further that no official word has been received of an intention of the Allied Governments to depart from principle of above agreement, or of the reasons why United States should concur in a change of policy. Our reply also states it is understood that some time ago estimates were made of claims and percentages of distribution for the purpose of discussion and information but were never adopted by Allied and Associated Powers or Reparation Commission.
- 3.
- According to our recollection the agreement of April 30, 1919, was reached because it was impossible for the Allies to agree among themselves at the time upon fixed percentages of distribution. We appreciate that as a practical matter and especially to avoid padding of claims against Germany which will be presented by various countries, percentages should be agreed upon to supersede the agreement of April 30, just as a definite reasonable sum representing reparation liability of Germany should replace indefiniteness of treaty provisions in this regard. However, reports of recent inter-Allied conferences at Hythe, Boulogne, and Brussels indicate that the Allies are not yet prepared to reach a reasonable and sane solution of indemnity problem. It appears that opposition is developing on part of Italy and lesser Allied Powers to control by France and Great Britain of these matters. After the possible failure to come [Page 398] to an agreement at Spa an opportunity may arise for the United States, possibly at the request of all parties, to take part in effecting a reasonable general settlement of these reparation problems. In view of these circumstances it seems that, although it may ultimately be necessary for the United States to participate in solution of reparation questions which will come before Spa Conference, the present is not opportune for such participation and the United States should play a waiting game, even regarding suggestions as to the amount of indemnity.
- 4.
- That paragraph 3 explains in general our failure to name a representative to attend the Conference at Spa and may help him in Reparation Commission discussions.
Davis