500.A15A4 General Committee/435: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 9:50 p.m.]
684. Referring to Department’s 336, May 22, 3 p.m., and my 667, May 27, noon. Simon on account of engagements in London was unable to return here this week and now because of illness he was unable to join in the proposed meeting with Daladier and Boncour in Paris yesterday or today. We have now agreed to meet with the French in Paris next Wednesday49 with Londonderry50 and Eden representing British. The British thoroughly agree that it is desirable if not necessary to get the four heads of state together but we decided it was better to prepare the ground better before making a final attempt particularly with the French. Mussolini is reluctant to meet until he gets the Four Power Pact signed51 and he also wishes more assurance that it would be possible to reach an agreement before running the risk of failure. The matter has been raised tentatively with the Germans and the indications are that Hitler would attend if it could be held at Basle. On the other hand the British now are rather inclined to the view that it will be advisable to wait about a week after the Economic Conference is opened52 and then they would prefer to have five power conversations in London. The prospects will depend largely on the outcome of our conversations with the French next week. The decision of the General Commission reported in my 679, June 1, 11 a.m.,53 giving President Henderson the right to carry on negotiations in preparation for the second reading and to invite consultation among such nations as he may deem advisable will furnish a basis if need be for bringing about the five power conversations in the Conference. Subsequently Henderson will I am sure gladly cooperate if required to do so. So far we have in order to avoid premature publicity not discussed it with him.