Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, General, Volume I

852.00/7758: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

Paris, April 13, 1938—5 p.m.
[Received April 13—2 p.m.]

597. I am reliably informed that considerable pressure, particularly from members of the Left friendly to the Spanish Government cause, was brought to bear on Daladier⁴³ to maintain Paul-Boncour⁴⁴ at the Foreign Office.

Daladier’s refusal to agree to this and his appointment of Bonnet throw a light on the foreign policy which the Government may be expected to follow.

Bonnet will certainly avoid adventure in Spain and he may be counted upon to deal in a realistic manner with the question of protecting French interests in that country in the expectation of a Franco victory. It may be assumed that he will try to work closely with the British, that he will endeavor to put French relations with Italy on a sensible basis as soon as possible and that he will welcome any opportunity—if opportunity exists—to come to a reasonable understanding with Germany.

Copies to London, Rome, Berlin.

Wilson

43. Edouard Daladier, French Prime Minister and Minister for National Defense and War, from April 10, 1938.
44. Joseph Paul-Boncour, French Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Cabinet headed by Léon Blum, March 13–April 10, 1928.