800.51W89 France/773
The French Ambassador (Claudel) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: The President of the Council requests me to inform Your Excellency that, as his Government was overthrown this morning by a vote of the Chamber refusing authorization to make the payment of December fifteenth in connection with the war debts, he is no longer able, under the terms of the Constitution, to continue the negotiations entered into with the American Government, as his authority now extends only to the despatch of current business.
[Page 749]Mr. Herriot requests me to express to Your Excellency his deep regret, together with his sincere thanks for your great courtesy in your diplomatic relations with him.
Please accept [etc.]