862T.01/514: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Houghton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9 p.m.]
5. Cuno18 just told me that he will make no appeal for support either to the United States or any other country. He intends to let history take its course. In case France occupies the Ruhr, Germany will summon her Ambassador at Paris to Berlin. Germany will not break off diplomatic relations but will issue a statement saying that he has been called to Berlin. Afterwards Cuno will send a note to all governments protesting against the invasion and the violation of the Treaty of Versailles. He stated that during the occupation of the Ruhr he will not, because he cannot, pay reparations or even discuss them. He said that the situation was still uncertain as troops are evidently being held back. The French Ambassador has requested an appointment with Minister for Foreign Affairs for this afternoon in order to make a statement.
Cuno seems anxious that American forces should be retained for the present. He says that Allen’s presence on the Rhine will make treatment of Germans much less severe and possibly avert more serious trouble.
If France should attempt to divert coal a serious situation will immediately develop. At the present time the fuel supply in Germany is quite inadequate.
- Chancellor of the German Reich.↩