500.A15A4 Steering Committee/189: Telegram
The American Delegate (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 25—6:28 p.m.]
469. From Davis. As Herriot and MacDonald could not be here we have not attempted to have any five-power conversations this week but we expect to arrange for meetings to begin on December 2nd at which time MacDonald and Herriot have agreed to come. Neurath is willing to return then but in view of the governmental situation in Germany he feels that he should wait until he returns to Berlin Sunday86 and consults Hindenburg before making final commitment. He will advise definitely next Monday, in which case an announcement will then be made. We have had some difficulties over the conditions under which the conversations should take place, the Germans wanting prior recognition of the principle of equality and the French insisting that equality can be only discussed in connection with their plan. Simon and I have taken the position that we should simply agree to meet without attempting beforehand to agree upon some formula and they have both accepted that view. In that connection but mainly in order to secure French agreement for an early preliminary convention I have decided to go to Paris to talk with Herriot, particularly as the work here allows me to leave for a few days. I am therefore leaving tonight, Friday, accompanied by Dulles returning to Geneva Monday night. If the press inquire I shall state that since most of those with whom I have been working are leaving for the week-end I am taking advantage of the opportunity to go to Paris for a few days’ rest. Simon is also leaving tonight for London, returning here Wednesday.87 [Davis.]