500.A15A4 General Committee/931: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation ( Davis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 30—12:40 p.m.]
853. 1. In rereading my telegram No. 850, May 29, 10 p.m., I fear it may have given the impression that I would favor exerting pressure [Page 84] on France to legalize German rearmament, whereas, the fact is I do not feel we should assume such a responsibility.
2. The situation, however, that confronts us is this: if we are to reach a disarmament agreement it is necessary to legalize German rearmament within certain limits with strict control of those limits. The decision that has to be made is whether there shall be unlimited German rearmament without a treaty or a legalization of a limited rearmament with control under a treaty. France which runs the greatest risk must make her own decision but I do feel that we are justified in pressing her to face the facts and make up her own mind.