800.30/8a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Harvey)
685. I understand that Briand is to visit Lloyd George tomorrow. Please arrange to deliver to him the following personal message:
[Here follows the message to Briand as quoted in telegram number 552, December 16, to the Ambassador in France, printed supra.]
[Paraphrase.] This matter is of utmost importance, as position taken by France may destroy work of Conference. We are informed Great Britain will not consent to agreement on present basis if France persists in being free to construct 10 new ships. Great Britain, Japan, and Italy are agreed that 175,000 tons of capital ships is a fair allowance for France. Italy desires equality with France in this regard but is satisfied with the above agreement. [End paraphrase.]