500.A15a3/536: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Edge) to the Secretary of State
581. Acting on his own suggestion, Tardieu called at the Embassy at five o’clock on Christmas Day. He almost immediately started a discussion of the London Conference and repeated his earlier statement that the Conference must and would be successful (reference is made to my telegram No. 575 of December 21). He remarked, with reference to the reparations meeting which is to reconvene on January 3 at The Hague, that he felt more optimistic of success at London than at The Hague. He gave no details regarding his reasons for pessimism concerning The Hague meeting beyond stating generally that, in view of the length of time since the earlier meeting5 and with Hungary and Bulgaria still not included, he feared the introduction of some new difficulties as to assuring final payments.
He clearly indicated, returning to the subject of the London Conference, that reduction would be assured if some evidence of defensive security such as a Mediterranean pact could be evolved from the Conference.
In expressing his high regard for the Secretary of State he signified a strong desire to confer with you before the London Conference convenes. I was told by him that the French delegation now plans to arrive in London on January 18th in the afternoon. He expressed the conviction that satisfactory adjustments could be [Page 314] worked out by the French and American delegations. Some misgiving he evidenced regarding the British position, particularly as to Mediterranean security, but he gave no details.
At this time Senator King of Utah was also a caller and I presented him to Tardieu at the end of my conference. His assurance to Tardieu of his great interest in naval reduction was quite helpful. Briefly, Tardieu repeated to King his sincere desire for success in London, but in part repeated the portion of our discussion (refer to my telegram No. 575) which emphasized the needs of the French.
It seems significant to me however that while Tardieu and I were alone he did not so constantly emphasize the French position as he had on Wednesday (reference is again made to my telegram No. 575). Throughout this conversation there prevailed a note of optimism as to success and a confident feeling that United States and France would reach complete understanding.
After Senator King joined us, however, he did refer to this naval law of 1925 as generally representing the requirements of the French. While discussing submarines he repeated the French conception of global tonnage as a solution and expressed some concern over the new type German cruiser.
Tardieu has accepted my luncheon invitation for next Saturday, December 28, at the Embassy. Others to be present are Armour, Gibson, Henry Moysset, Director of Cabinet of the President of the Council of Ministers, at Tardieu’s suggestion.
It has occurred to me, as a result of this conversation, that it might help if either the President or you send Tardieu an intimate confidential note while the French case is being prepared by its delegation to be presented at London. Regarding the advisability of this, however, I shall consult Gibson and after our luncheon conference on Saturday will advise you further.
Have I your approval on the policy I have been following? Your reaction and viewpoint up to the moment before Saturday’s conference will be helpful.
Copies to Brussels, Rome and London.