500.A15a3/1676: Telegram
The Chargé in Great Britain (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Paraphrase]
London, January 19, 1932—6
p.m.
[Received January 19—3:08 p.m.]
[Received January 19—3:08 p.m.]
18. I have been informed that within the last day or two, some 2 months after the proposal set forth in my telegram No. 435 of November 12, 4 p.m., was delivered, the French reply was received. This reply is not a rejection, but rather is a request for additional explanation in certain particulars, namely:
- (1)
- The capital ship difficulty, i. e., questions of maximum calibre of guns and maximum displacement.
- (2)
- Retention by France of over-age capital ships after completion of two new capital ships.
- (3)
- The right of Great Britain to invoke article 21 in the year 1936 if considered necessary.
No endeavor will be made by the British to reply to the French note before the Disarmament Conference, Craigie states.
Atherton