462.00 R 296/393: Telegram
The Ambassador in Paris (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
324. L–185 [from Logan].
(1) Reference my L–179,38 Department’s L–92.39 Barthou40 called unofficial and confidential meeting commission delegates his office this morning. Stated purpose of meeting was to discuss choice of individuals and nationality for principal offices control personnel contemplated by Dawes report. It developed during meeting that there was unanimous desire, with Governments also agreeing, for appointment of an American as Agent General. Barthou predicated French agreement to American Agent General and all other appointments on condition that French national, agreeable to French [Page 137] Government, receive office Railway Commissioner. Previous arrangement that such office not within gift of commission but by “appointment by a majority vote of the foreign members of the board of directors” of the railways. Barthou said the French Government does not want any other of the principal positions under plan for its nationals but that before accepting other nationals to offices within gift of commission would require assurances of other Governments through delegates on commission of their support of Frenchman’s nomination by the board of directors of the railways to the post of Railway Commissioner. Bradbury said this support would be forthcoming from British provided Leverve were nominated, to which Barthou replied that Leverve would be the French nominee. The Italian and Belgian delegates intimated that their Governments were ready to support Leverve and that the necessary assurances for such appointment would be forthcoming at an early date. …
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(5) [Paraphrase.] Referring particularly to Department’s L–92, I am satisfied that discussion and decision on personnel, except Morrow and Leverve, can be postponed until after July 15, and in this way Morrow will be given the opportunity he will need of practically passing on the persons for the other principal posts within limits only of agreed program of personnel. Logan. [End paraphrase.]