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  4. Document 255

862.20/790: Telegram

The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to Secretary of State

Berlin, March 28, 1935—1 p.m.
[Received March 28—9:55 a.m.]

57. No official communiqué information issued on Simon’s discussions but reliable sources indicate that Hitler was entire master of himself in yesterday’s meetings and that he gave replies to queries immediately and firmly. His main points were as follows:

(1)
He demands gun for gun throughout armaments except naval and here he will accept percentage of British Navy (estimated at 30 percent); material as well as moral equality.
(2)
He wants maximum equality with France but even though France disarmed entirely he would find it necessary to follow Russia’s course.
(3)
He may go back to the League on equality basis; heretofore all Germany has had was intellectual and cultural support.

It is stated that the French, Italian and Belgian Mission heads were informed along the above general lines Tuesday evening.

Dodd