800.51W89 France/998½
The Under Secretary of State ( Phillips ) to President Roosevelt
Dear Mr. President: Although there is no especial need to reply to the French Government’s last note declining to make payments on its June 15th installment, the Secretary and I feel that it might be [Page 570] helpful, for the purposes of the record, to say something which would tend to keep the debt alive and to throw back on the French Government, just as we attempted to do with the British Government, responsibility for initiating proposals. Personally I do not, for a moment, believe that the French Government intends to present any proposals to us, certainly at this time.
I submit two drafts32 for your consideration. The first one contains certain observations which the Secretary believes should be included in the note so that we cannot be accused of making a communication on this subject without “meat” in it.
The second draft, which is shorter, omits any reference to specified methods of payment and in the last paragraph urges in generalities betterment of the present unsatisfactory and sterile position.
I should be very grateful if you would be so kind as to indicate your views and wishes.
I enclose, also, for easy reference, a copy of the French note33 to which our suggested drafts are in reply.
If you approve of a reply34 to the French Government, it will be desirable, I feel, to reply along similar lines to the other defaulting governments.
Faithfully yours,