500.A15A5/672: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 21—11:30 a.m.]
102. In a talk with Eden last evening he told me in substance the following: Their Ambassador in Paris had under instructions made representations to Flandin to the effect that a naval agreement is vitally important to both Great Britain and to France. That if such an agreement is to be satisfactory and effective it is essential that Germany be a party. Hence the British Government must ask the French Government as an act of friendship to aid in bringing about such agreement. Furthermore the Ambassador informed Flandin that it is essential for Anglo-French cooperation that France give this concrete evidence of her desire to cooperate in the proper spirit and that if the French should block a naval agreement it would have a very serious reaction on public opinion in England.
Eden said he was somewhat hopeful as French were now showing more of an inclination to fall into line.
I told Eden that Corbin had indicated to me (see my 99, February 19, 8 p.m.) the idea of making a naval agreement dependent upon general political development and what my reply had been. Eden said he thought I was quite correct in refusing to have a naval agreement dependent upon political developments or settlements; that while the British would be glad to have an air agreement they were opposed to making such an agreement dependent upon a naval agreement or vice versa. He will make it clear to the French that the best preparation for a subsequent air agreement would be an unconditional naval agreement with Germany as a party to it. He will furthermore point out that if an attempt were made to get an air and a naval agreement at the same time the result would be not to get either one.
I suggest for your consideration that if de Laboulaye approaches you again, or if there is an opportunity to do so, it would be helpful if you take a similar line while explaining, of course, that what the French and British do as between themselves is of no concern of ours except as it affects a general naval agreement.