500.A15A4/1502: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Marriner) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 6—8:09 p.m.]
583. From Davis. Referring to my 582, October 6, 8 p.m., Tyrrell tells me Herriot has just informed him that he is advising the British Government that France will enter with alacrity into proposed disarmament discussions but that he does not think London is the place to do so and that such discussions should be at Geneva. Herriot is going to write MacDonald a letter explaining reasons for decision but stating that he would be glad to go over to London any time for a discussion with him previous to the meeting and discussions in Geneva. He likewise will point out that the Germans have merely said they were unwilling to return to the Disarmament Conference without satisfaction, not that they were unwilling to discuss matters in Geneva.
According to Tyrrell Herriot reported that he had insisted to his Cabinet that France must make a real step in disarmament and offer to give up some of the weapons denied to Germany under the Treaty of Versailles. If then Germany continued to insist upon rearming the blame would be placed squarely on Germany. [Davis.]