[Enclosure]
The British Chargé (Chilton) to the Secretary of
State
Aide-Mémoire
The extremely critical economic position that has arisen in Europe
owing to the failure to discover any solution of the reparation
problem which, as the political and financial condition of Germany
grows worse, becomes daily more acute, is already known to the
United States Government through information which reaches America.
That unity of thought which either renders common action possible or
will be successful in finding an early solution appears to be
lacking among the European Powers. During the past nine months a
series of proposals have been made by His Majesty’s Government to
their Allies for meeting these difficulties. [Page 69] Unfortunately, none of them has met
with a sufficient measure of acceptance to result in common action.
And yet, failing such action, not only Germany but Europe seems to
be drifting into economic disaster.
In the circumstances, His Majesty’s Government have for long
entertained the belief that the cooperation of the United States
Government is an essential condition of any real advance towards
settlement. By her position and history America is more
disinterested than any of the European Powers. Nevertheless, the
solution of the European problem is of direct and vital concern to
her if for no other reason than because the question of inter-allied
debt is involved therein. In last December when Mr. Hughes made his
declaration both Great Britain and Germany made it clear that the
proffered assistance would be warmly welcomed by them, and His
Majesty’s Government has always heartily approved the suggestion
whenever it has been revived—a different view has hitherto been
taken by the French Government. So far as His Majesty’s Government
are aware, the sole reason why the proposal has not been proceeded
with is this lack of unanimity.
The manner in which, in the opinion of the United States Government,
united action which is desired by all, could best be attained, was
actually occupying the attention of His Majesty’s Government when
the morning press of October 11th published a declaration said to
have been made by the President of the United States that the
opinion of his Government rested on its proposal of last December.
This declaration was warmly welcomed by His Majesty’s Government who
hope that they are justified in inferring from it that America will
render the promised cooperation if the European Powers will join in
such an enquiry.
If the statement of the President has been rightly interpreted by His
Majesty’s Government and if they may rely on an encouraging
reception being given to such a proceeding, they will not hesitate
to invite the immediate cooperation of their European Allies in
addressing an invitation to the United States Government to take
part in the proposed enquiry by deputing a delegation, either
official or unofficial. On the other hand, if although complete
unanimity had not been forthcoming in Europe it were nevertheless
proposed to hold such an enquiry, could American cooperation still
be hoped for by His Majesty’s Government and the majority of the
Allies? Alternatively, would America still be willing to
participate, were it proposed that this enquiry should be entrusted
to the Separation Commission or to some other body appointed by
it?
His Majesty’s Government, speaking in the name of the whole British
Empire as represented at the Imperial Conference now assembled [Page 70] in London, firmly believe
that the United States Government has it in its power to render a
great service to the security and peace of the world, and it is in
this belief that they desire to associate themselves with the
renewal of the President’s proposal; and any suggestion which the
United States Government may be disposed to offer in reply to the
questions which Lord Curzon has ventured to put will be gladly
received.
[Washington,] October 13,
1923.
