462.00 R 29/2216: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:50 p.m.]
497. Department’s 405 of November 29. Have just talked with Political Director of Foreign Office in regard to French plans in [Page 186] case Brussels Conference fails. I have learned that if Allies are unable to agree upon common action France will act alone. In this case she will take over forests and railroads of Rhineland now occupied by French military and administer that section for benefit of French Government as reported in my telegram 495 of November 29.26
Denial was made that a plan had been formulated regarding Ruhr district. Poincaré is certainly very reluctant to go into Ruhr valley.
Confidence was expressed that whatever action France may take, Belgium would follow. In any event action will be taken by the first of January.
Senator Dejou tells me that French Government appreciates fully necessity for omitting any reference to Allied debts in financial plan to be submitted at Brussels Conference. I neglected to make clear in my 495 that this plan was not submitted to French Government at the time it was submitted to Reparation Commission.
I hope tomorrow to be able to give further definite information in regard to the subject of Department’s 405.
- Not printed.↩