765.84/843: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Marriner) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 16—10:25 a.m.]
694. Laval saw Aloisi yesterday and subsequently Eden and then the Abyssinian Minister. Eden also talked with Aloisi in the evening. The formal conversations begin today when all three delegations lunch at the Quai d’Orsay. So far Laval has given no indication of France’s position. It is understood that Aloisi outlined the extreme Italian thesis to Laval, that is, military occupation up to the plateau and complete and immediate disarmament of the Ethiopian forces. Abyssinia appears to be willing to go further along the road in commercial concessions than previously but firmly rejects territorial infringement. England has not sensibly changed her attitude since my telegram 691, August 15, 10 a.m. The French press on the whole reserves judgment and hopes for the best and for moderation on all sides.
[Page 628]Leon Blum takes the opportunity in the Populaire to warn Laval that France cannot tolerate the pillaging of Abyssinia; hopes that Laval will be successful in his role of mediator, but adds that such a success will not excuse the decree laws and the riots of Toulon and Brest.
Politis, Greek Minister to Paris, has accepted the position of fifth arbitrator on the Conciliation Commission which may meet in Paris under his Presidency.