500.A15A4/2629: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany (White) to the Secretary of State

11. Referring to telegram 966, January 22, 7 p.m., from Disarmament Delegation,18 it is also impression of interested colleagues here that Saar returns have produced an elation among Germans that is not conducive to tractability in international negotiations.19

For instance, in conversation about “Danubian” Pact (for guaranteeing nonintervention in Austria) which it is still hoped that Germany might sign after making considerable fuss, I am told that Chancellor20 observed that were free election now to be held in Austria the Saar result would be duplicated; also in regard to an arms limitation pact that the Russian air strength would have to be reckoned in establishing aviation quotas. Indeed it is supposed that were formal proposals to limit armaments to be again made, the German terms would be stiffer than last year.

In the formal negotiations for an Eastern Pact the note delivered by the French Ambassador January 16th is said to contain no new proposals of interest to Germany but rather to be a conciliatory argument in reply to German memorandum of September 8th, see despatch No. 1300, September 20th, 1934.21 Little hope is therefore entertained for a favorable reply especially as I gather that the Germans are confident of Polish support. Franco-British meeting expected in London may disclose some new line of policy, otherwise early prospects of general European agreement do not look hopeful.

White
  1. Ante, p. 5.
  2. The plebiscite held on January 13, 1935, under the auspices of the League of Nations to determine the status of the Saar territory gave a majority, approximately 90 percent of the vote cast, for reunion with Germany.
  3. Adolf Hitler.
  4. Foreign Relations, 1934, vol. i, p. 509.