033.1140 Stimson, H. L./9
The Ambassador in France (Edge) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: I replied to your confidential telegram No. 143 of April 16th, 1 p.m., as follows:
“Am most enthusiastic over the good that could be accomplished through a personal visit to Paris. The compliment would be greatly appreciated by the French people. Its practical and psychological effect should be most helpful in many directions.”49
I had no hesitation in expressing the above opinion as you yourself well understand that the temperament of the French people is a type that is always impressed by compliment and recognition.
France, as most other European countries, holds the rather clearly defined opinion that the United States demands all the benefits that can be derived through international exchange without assuming many of the direct responsibilities. Of course, we are all prepared to defend our own policy in this respect; nevertheless, evidence of a little fraternal feeling which must follow the visit of the Secretary of State of the United States at least would tend to somewhat relieve the feeling here of our aloofness.
On the other hand, of course, you must be prepared to accept almost any interpretation as to the reason of the visit that may please the admitted vagaries of French newspaper writers. If they see fit to assume that your visit would indicate a more direct interest on the part of the United States in European affairs, you of course will know the reaction at home better than I. I repeat, the effect here should be most helpful.
As you no doubt will know, there is likewise a feeling in France that the United States, once it can get the naval angle of disarmament out of the way, is not particularly interested in the forthcoming general disarmament conference,50 notwithstanding the Geneva conferees have indicated their desire to pass much of the responsibility to the United States. In my opinion, we might just as well face this situation now as a few months later. I believe a frank talk between you and Briand51 will at least officially indicate the position of the United States.
If I may introduce a personal note, it would be particularly helpful for Secretary Stimson to make either an official or unofficial visit to France, as sentiment forms a strong part of the French psychology and they all recognize that Colonel Stimson was with them [Page 538] during the war. The French calendar is still based on events before and after the war.
As to the economic problems existing between France and the United States, as you know, we are primarily concerned because we haven’t a commercial treaty and with the discriminatory French policy of double taxation. Additional trouble looms because of the prospects of sectional customs and tariff treaties between various continental countries which are threatened almost daily. As to these economic problems, however, if you come to Paris I shall promise not to overburden you because they can only be met as they come up from time to time and I assume, to a great extent, that is what I was sent over here to cope with.
In your telegram of inquiry you refer to rest and recreation. We’ll further promise to give you a chance to practise both in or about Paris.
Sincerely,