861.01/240

Memorandum by the Third Assistant Secretary of State (Merle-Smith)

Mr. Davis detailed orally to me his conference with the French Chargé d’Affaires, August 18, 1920.

The French Chargé d’Affaires asked whether there was any authority for the newspaper reports that this Government was dissatisfied with the French note regarding its position toward Russia.

Mr. Davis answered that we were satisfied with the note. We saw in it complete accord on the part of the French Government in the aims and principles stated by Mr. Colby; that such accord was most gratifying.

He stated that the only difference in the views was perhaps in regard to the method for reaching the aims desired. The Department was doubtful, on the information it had received regarding the success of Wrangel, as to the wisdom of his recognition, but that the Department had not sufficient information regarding the basis on which France had acted to pass judgment on such action by the French Government.

The Chargé pointed out the danger of Germany playing with the Bolshevik and taking a part of Poland (the corridor).

Mr. Davis stated that our information from many angles had it that Germany would not join with the Bolshevik unless driven to take such a course from desperation; that it would perhaps be wise, therefore, for France at this juncture to make a public statement regarding her aims, vis a vis Germany, stating perhaps that there was no intention of taking any steps in regard to Germany other than to secure an enforcement of the treaty, and that France was prepared to adopt a liberal attitude regarding the terms of the treaty and to agree to a definitive and reasonable sum for reparation payments.

Van S. M[erle]-S[mith]