740.0011 Mutual Guarantee (Locarno)/429: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 13—1:40 p.m.]
116. Foreign Office confirms that the French contentions are being more clearly understood by the British public and that the question for England is being resolved into “war with honor or peace with dishonor”. At this morning’s meeting of the Locarno Powers Van Zeeland presented a formula for discussion. Roughly this demanded a symbolic though limited withdrawal by Germany from the Rhineland, simultaneous to which the conciliation machinery of the Locarno treaty itself be invoked and preparations be undertaken for a conference for a study of the Hitler proposals, et cetera. This Belgian plan also envisaged the fact that the demilitarized Rhineland would be practically totally eliminated, with current loss of security to both France and Belgium and that therefore something in the nature of Eden’s temporary offer of security to France and Belgium made on Monday must be made permanent. This formula is now being studied by a special committee of the Cabinet and Council of Imperial Defence. The French likewise have it under consideration and the Locarno Powers will meet again not earlier than 9 o’clock this evening.
Foreign Office states that the League Council will meet tomorrow and after affirming that articles 42 and 43 have been violated will, in the opinion of the Foreign Office, unless the Locarno Powers have reached agreement previously, adjourn until next week. The Foreign Office considers that the fact that all the powers now, including Germany, have a clear idea of each others respective positions is a step towards dissipating yesterday’s tension.
Although the Foreign Office avoided a reply to a direct question the rumor persists here in well-informed quarters that Hitler has [Page 244] again been approached asking that he realize the British will be forced into position they are reluctant to assume unless he contributes something beyond the German memorandum reported in my 114, March 13, 1 p.m.91 The fact that the next Locarno meeting has been postponed until 9 o’clock tonight lends color to this report.
Informally advised by a Dominion representative that Canada and South Africa have already indicated to the British that they cannot be counted upon to participate in any extreme measures.
Belgian Embassy states Van Zeeland broadcasting to the United States tonight.92
By air to Paris.