500.A15a3/1342a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Edge)
34. It seems possible, in view of the progress that seems to have been made in the Franco-Italian naval conversations, that with a [Page 360] little good will France and Italy could settle the matter and become parties to the London Naval Treaty.62 Of course the Laval government has just come into power and a little time will be required for it to determine its attitude. That has to be realized. However, I think it might be advisable for you to seek in the near future a purely informal and unofficial meeting with Briand. You should inform him of the keen interest which the United States Government feels in a speedy solution of this problem and recall to him how near the naval experts now are to each other. I am certain that he will appreciate the genuine concern of this Government in the outcome of these negotiations. A failure to solve this naval question, now reduced to its simplest form, would have such an adverse effect that I would seriously question the usefulness of participation in the forthcoming General Disarmament Conference.
Tyrrell has been kept advised on the details of the negotiations. You should consult him before you undertake the suggested informal talks with Briand. You should use your discretion as to whether to mention the subject to Laval.
Repeat to Brussels and London.
- Treaty for the Limitation and Reduction of Naval Armament, signed at London, April 22, 1930, Foreign Relations, 1930, vol. i, p. 107.↩