462.00 R 296/4: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

423. Department’s 321 of October 17. Saw Poincaré yesterday morning and presented views in the Department’s instruction. I emphasized these points: First, the impossibility of coupling the question of reparations with that of cancellation of Interallied debts. Second, with regard to the debts, Congress is the only body in United States competent to act and it has acted. Third, the necessity for immediate action by business men in a business-like manner.

Poincaré asked me to submit to him an aide-mémoire embodying my statements. I naturally refrained in view of the tone of the Department’s instruction of October 17; especially as the views I presented under third point were advanced as expression of my own opinion.

Poincaré was characteristically noncommittal although he listened throughout with deep and sympathetic interest.

Am conferring with Boyden tomorrow, after unofficial meeting today of Reparation Commission, and will make another appointment with Poincaré at the earliest possible time. Will forward full despatch by the next pouch.

Herrick