500.C1112/38: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1—4:20 p.m.]
373. Consulate’s No. 373, September 30, noon. During the conversation mentioned in my telegram No. 1071, October 1, 5 p.m.36 Viénot37 spoke of the work of Second Committee. He said that the French delegation had not yet completely established [the statement they would make] on economic matters. Furthermore it was hoped that Blum could be here to deliver the speech in person although the precarious situation of his Government made this still doubtful.
Viénot added that the French intended to work out with the British if they could an agreement on the French statement; not that the French statement will be a presentation of the views of two countries but something to which they hope the British could give enthusiastic adherence.
He then went on to say that his own view was that it would be helpful if an American could also collaborate in preparing this next French move which will be in the Second Commission to break the jam of the present economic difficulties inasmuch as the three Governments had worked together on the first step (French devaluation). He asked me tentatively and without having consulted his delegation whether I thought I might collaborate in this mixed commission. I replied that they would probably have to make their statement on Friday or Saturday; that our members of the Economic Committee had returned to America and that personally I was not sufficiently in touch with the matter for my views to be of value. Hence, there did not seem to be time for us to give advice on the subject even supposing it was thought wise for us to collaborate.
I had been contemplating suggesting the advisability of supporting this next French move if it appears to merit it by means of a statement made in Washington to follow the French declaration here and hence invite your attention to Stoppani’s views in this connection.