740.0011 Mutual Guarantee (Locarno)/485: Telegram
The Minister in Norway (Biddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 20—10:35 a.m.]
21. My telegram No. 20, March 18, 5 p.m. I have ascertained from confidential source that delegates assembled at London recognize merely formal character of meetings yesterday and today except that Italy’s allegation of inability to participate in any Rhineland patrol [Page 263] scheme pending lifting of sanctions will cause measures to be taken today to lessen Italo-Abyssinian tension with a view to realistic settlement.
Negotiations pending German referendum and French elections will probably be characterized by denunciation and recrimination especially by Germans in the interest of political expediency. Nevertheless, France and Great Britain will take no action against Germany and German troops will not be withdrawn from the Rhineland. Subsequent conversation will be lengthy due to the intention to work out constructive program of the nature indicated by my telegram of March 18.