500.A15A4/2368½: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Delegate (Wilson)
391. Your 787, November 18, 6 p.m. did not reach us until nearly midnight, too late to permit an answer last night. The apparent divergence of views between the British and French is very disturbing to us, not only for its immediate consequences on the disarmament conference but also for its possible political effects in Europe. Your conversation with Simon, which set forth our general thesis but did not accept any form of joint pressure on France, accurately reflects our views.
Similarly, your proposed expression of opinion to the French follows the right line, though perhaps your approach that “we fell in with the modifications of October in the hope that a compromise between France and Germany might be reached” could be turned more constructively. Thus our attitude in October was based on a sincere belief that the modifications agreed to would lead to a real accord on disarmament which would promote a sense of security in Europe. Now, the decision which France will soon have to make is whether it feels its security can best be assured by reliance on armed power or by a negotiated agreement. We shall not put pressure on France in making this decision, but if it elects the latter, we stand ready to assume our full share in the discussions on disarmament.