765.84/822: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Marriner) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 14—8:10 a.m.]
688. Vansittart51 arrived here yesterday afternoon and Eden by a later train in the evening. Eden was accompanied by Strang, Thompson and Hankey and is staying at the British Embassy. Aloisi arrives tomorrow morning. Eden sees Laval this morning and Laval will see Aloisi tomorrow after his arrival. It is possible that Eden and Aloisi will also confer before the opening of the formal conference on Friday August 16.
It is generally believed that the British thesis will be to support, in so far as possible, the granting of considerable economic concessions in Abyssinia to Italy and persuade against any territorial infringement. It is felt here, however, that such a thesis will not prove sufficient for Italy even if accepted by Abyssinia. The French press today is very reserved and contents itself with stating the opposing thesis of Italy and England and expressing the hope that Laval will succeed as mediator. There is no definite indication as yet of the French attitude except that it should go as far toward conciliation and maintaining the authority of the League as possible without openly offending Italy. Probably no further indication will be forthcoming until after Laval has seen Eden and Aloisi.
- Robert G. Vansittart, British Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.↩