462.00 R 296/696: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg)
418. Your no. 467, November 12. I quite concur in your seeing Chamberlain first if you think it preferable to do so, and I see no objection to your leaving memorandum with him along lines you suggest if you deem it advisable. …
In regard to Owen Young’s letter it appears to me to be unwise to raise any question as to whether the United States could be paid outside of participation in annuities provided under Dawes Plan, as to do this would bring up questions of alien property, etc. Department does not desire to take position which would support assertion of waiver of eventual claim against German Government or that Germany by agreeing to Dawes Plan has made “suitable provision” referred to in Knox resolution which was incorporated in our treaty with Germany. It is advisable that this Government avoid commitment on these points. Nevertheless, in connection with your conversations, Young’s statement as to intent of section 11 may well be effective. Probably preferable to use portion of letter which alludes to purpose to cover our claims.