765.84/4146: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
132. While much remains to become clear respecting the exact character and significance of the reported recent rapprochement between the British and the French the following is roughly the immediate picture presented here.
An important motive for this understanding is seen in the alarm felt over the recently increasing antagonism between the public opinion in the two countries which has been tying the hands of both Governments. It is thus expected unless some unforeseen change occurs that the details of the procedures here while involving compromises and presumably avoiding the aspect of abrupt changes in policy will work to the end of appeasing this antagonism.
The question of a necessary concession to the French Government in view of the forthcoming elections has been prominently put forward, the British delegation has inspired the inference that after the elections the French will act with the British against Italy. In conversations with members of both the British and French delegations, however, they tell me frankly that no one anticipates that the results of the elections can affect French policy to any material degree in respect of the Italian-Ethiopian matter per se and that Eden despite anything he may state which is reflected by the British press fully recognizes this.
In diplomatic circles the deduction is that the British in view of continental considerations have changed definitely at least the character of their tactics in the Italo-Ethiopian question.
As I have previously reported the arrangement appears to include the understanding that while there will be no increase of sanctions the present measures against Italy will be maintained. The question has already arisen nevertheless respecting the continued efficacy of the present measures. The representatives of several small states tell me that in the face of the existing situation they believe that their Governments will soon be obliged in some way to allow private interests to resume trade with Italy. The Czechoslovak representative has particularly emphasized this. I learn that the Ecuadoran representative presented Vasconcellos with a communication notifying Ecuador’s lifting of sanctions but that the latter persuaded him to withhold it until after today’s Council meeting.
[Page 127]The relationship of the Franco-British entente outside of the immediate League situation—that is to the German and general European situation—from what I can gather from talks with members of the two delegations seems to be as yet largely speculative, despite the extent to which the heads of the delegations for political reasons may express themselves on this score.
The most informed opinion seems to be that although there have been exchanges of views no commitments in substance have been made here in this respect. The immediate aim has been sought of at least facilitating Franco-British understanding in other fields which is seen as a gain for Great Britain as well as for France. The employment of this understanding cannot, it is felt, be forecast until its effect on Germany can be measured and until Italy’s return to the European picture. It is believed that until then nothing can be predicted respecting in particular its permanence. Back of it all moreover lies the question as to how London apparently turning from action through the League will meet the Italian threat to British interests which Ethiopia may now imply.
- Telegram in two sections.↩