033.5111 Laval, Pierre/26

Memorandum by the Secretary of State

During the call of the German Ambassador,5 he asked me about M. Laval’s visit. I told him we were waiting to hear on Friday whether he would come. I said that I had formed a high opinion of Laval when I was in Europe this summer and I felt that it was very fortunate in the present situation that two men like Bruening6 and Laval were occupying their respective positions. I told him, with a smile, that I could think of many men who would be less satisfactory occupants of those positions. He said that Laval was going over to see Bruening next Sunday and that he hoped that progress would be made in their discussions. I joined in this and told him that after Laval’s visit it would be Bruening’s turn and I hoped he might come over here some time. The Ambassador said that he was sure Bruening would enjoy it if he could ever find a chance to get away.

H[enry] L. S[timson]
  1. Friedrich W. von Prittwitz und Gaffron.
  2. Heinrich Bruening, German Chancellor.