500.A15A4/1071: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 25—10:20 a.m.]
208. Department’s 110, May 24, 8 p.m. We do not anticipate any reluctance on Bruening’s part to coming but on account of Germany’s internal situation there may be certain difficulties and we feel he will be more disposed to overcome them if he realizes the seriousness of the work to be achieved here in removing French apprehensions and of finding measures for insuring the effective continuance of the disarmament work during the Lausanne Conference.
We cannot see how such a meeting prior to the Lausanne Conference would give the impression of tying the two problems together; on the contrary it would give the impression that disarmament is not being subordinated to reparations. Furthermore, we cannot see how the impression could be created that our delegation was acting as an intermediary on reparations as well as disarmament inasmuch as we have thus far avoided all publicity regarding our activities both in London and Paris as well as in Lyon.
[Page 145]Taking account of your suggestions we propose to embody what we have to say in a letter to Sackett sending Dolbeare as courier in order that he may afford Sackett all necessary background and place himself at Sackett’s disposal. We anticipate no difficulties as a result of Dolbeare’s banking connections and have no reason to believe that his presence in Berlin will even be remarked.
We feel that to have Rumbold and Sackett see Bruening on this subject would entirely [change?] its aspect from one of unofficial helpfulness to a formal and official communication which might well give Bruening [apparent omission]. If for any reason this does not have the desired effect upon Bruening we could then go back to your suggestion after having consulted MacDonald.