033.1140 Stimson, H.L./3: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Edge)48

[Paraphrase]

143. For the personal attention of the Ambassador. I have under consideration a visit to Rome, Berlin, Paris, and London. I should like to get a first-hand impression of the situation in each country as it may affect our future problems, including particularly the Disarmament Conference next year and the economic situation. My chief object, however, is rest and recreation, but I do wish to confer with American representatives in each of the aforementioned places. I should like very much to have your frank comment on the advisability of such a trip so far as your post in France is concerned. I would plan to sail for Naples June 13th48a and arrive in Paris soon after the first of July. The plan proposed here should be kept entirely confidential.

Stimson
  1. Similar telegrams were sent to the Ambassadors in Germany, Great Britain, and Italy (033.1140 Stimson, H. L./2, 4, and 1).
  2. The sailing date was subsequently postponed until June 27.