462.00R296/2846: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in France ( Armour )

[Paraphrase]

114. Reparation No. 73. Your Reparation No. 212, April 15, 8 p.m. There is no reason, of course, why the representatives of the creditor powers to whom you refer in your No. 212 should not explain to you the bases on which they have made their proposals, but Department feels that you should not be asked officially to express views of your Government without first having had opportunity to consult Department. Our presumption is that only question which would be asked you would be whether this Government would agree to annuities proposed as they affect payments of costs of the American Army of Occupation and the Mixed Claims Commission’s awards. This subject is discussed in two paragraphs of our telegram No. 112, April 15, 4 p.m.; this telegram was sent only for information of Young and Morgan on general attitude of the American Government, and therefore it should not be made basis of any official statement by you. If, furthermore, any other questions either general or specific, such as Central Bank of Issue, are brought up, it is Department’s desire that you express [Page 1065] no opinion whatever. If and when you meet with the members of the Experts Committee you should cable the Department immediately the specific questions asked you and request instructions.

Stimson