800.51W89 France/726: Telegram
The American Delegate to the Bureau of the General Disarmament Conference (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13—4 p.m.]
37. From Norman Davis. See Marriner’s 647 reporting conversation with Bizot. Neither the French nor British intentions as to the December 15th payment were known to me. The last time Bizot mentioned matter to me was some 5 or 6 weeks ago. I then gained clear impression that while they intended to request negotiations with regard to altering debt agreement they would make December 15th payment if we refused to grant delay pending result of negotiations. I have made it clear at all times that I have no authority whatever to deal with debt question. At the time of above conversation with Bizot I told him I had nothing to do with debts and could not in any way speak for the Government; that the Government itself had no power to agree to postponement without the approval of Congress; that to me it seemed almost impossible that Congress could act before December 15 even if it were so disposed; and that from a practical standpoint my personal opinion was that France should get ready and make December 15th payment. Bizot then indicated his belief that they should prepare to make December payment but that they would wait several weeks before announcing their decision and taking up the question of revision. [Davis.]