500.A15A5/681: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 25—7:25 p.m.]
106. Craigie telephoned me tonight that the French had suggested today that the best way to deal with the difficulty and embarrassment with regard to Germany would be for the four powers here to make a treaty and for England to enter into a bilateral supplementary treaty with Germany incorporating the provisions of the four-power treaty. Craigie told the French that he was not certain whether this would be acceptable to Germany or the other powers but that they would take the matter under consideration. We see no objections from our standpoint to such an arrangement and if you have any contrary views please advise at once for my guidance in case the matter is definitely submitted to us.
Craigie also told me that he had had a long conference today with the German Naval Attaché discussing the proposed agreement in detail. His impression was that the Germans have no objections to the proposed technical provisions but that they expect a definite reply from the German Government tomorrow. He said that he had not yet broached the more delicate question of the manner in which Germany would be brought into the treaty itself.
Craigie told me that the Italians had informed him today that notwithstanding the political difficulties which had been raised with regard to their signing a naval agreement now, they would be disposed to do so anyhow if they could clarify certain technical questions and get more definite assurance as to the eventual reduction of battleship unit tonnage. Craigie said the Italians were suspicious that the suggestion that in 3 or 4 years and after experience gained by construction consideration would be given to the possibility of a reduction of 2,000 or 3,000 tons was “eyewash.” He thought, therefore, that it would be helpful for Admiral Standley and me to talk with Grandi and Admiral Raineri-Biscia61 to remove their apprehension and to assure them of our good faith. I will arrange such a meeting.
- Italian deputy delegate.↩