751.62/299: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 15—2 p.m.]
100. Just saw the Minister of Foreign Affairs who stated that Laval is not to visit Berlin as he must proceed directly from Pilsudski funeral to League session May 20th at Geneva where Neurath hoped the Eastern Pact may be modified so as to permit this country’s adherence. Germany’s attitude in this respect he continued will depend upon satisfactory conclusion of air pact which seems jeopardized by English and French plans for increased air armament.
In reply to query as to attitude toward League the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of Disarmament Conference on a basis of equality but called attention to further evidence of League’s inefficacy displayed by Abyssinian question for which he blamed Great Britain and France. At the same time he seemed to feel that African complications for bankrupt Italy might have their advantages—notably greater quiet in the Balkans.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs agreed with Secretary Morgenthau29 that there is no prospect of international commercial stability such as would greatly assist Germany’s economic plight until dollar and pound are stabilized.
Reichstag session referred to in my 92, May 3, 6 p.m.,30 at which it is expected leading problems of foreign policy will be treated, postponed until May 21, 8 p.m. ostensibly out of respect for Polish mourning. Possibly by that time also Franco-British tendencies in Poland feared here since Pilsudski’s death may have further revealed themselves and Goering31 who will head German funeral delegation may have held informal conversations with the French.