462.11L5232/574: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany ( Mayer )

52. Your 146 May 14, 11 a.m., and 148, May 14, 7 p.m.74 Department did not intend by its 51 of May 13, 7 p.m. that you should refuse to receive any suggestions from an authorized official of German Government but rather that it was not necessary for you to initiate further discussions. As the Department’s previous cables indicate, this Government was led to believe that the German Government desired to effect a compromise settlement. This Government has at all times been ready to cooperate in that regard. It was deemed undesirable in view of the pendency of arguments in the sabotage cases to try to tie up with the broad general subjects covered in your conversation with Goering on May 6th the discussion with respect to these cases.

You were, therefore, instructed to say that if Goering gave you assurance of the desire of the German Government to have the claims settled other than through the Commission and the German Agent were instructed to ask for postponement by the Commission, the American Agent would cooperate. Goering stated that such instructions would be given but those actually received by the German Agent were to the effect that if the American Agent took the initiative the German Agent would not object to an adjournment. So far as the Department is informed this matter has not been adjusted and the hearings are proceeding. However, if Goering or anyone authorized to represent the German Government desires to discuss the matter with you, you should say that this Government is entirely agreeable [Page 266] to a settlement provided proper arrangements therefor can be made and, as previously stated, is ready to have a representative meet with a representative of the German Government at any time and place that may be suggested by the latter for this purpose.

You should make it clear at all times that the Department cannot take the initiative in this matter but is ready to cooperate in good faith.

Hull
  1. Neither printed.