740.00115 European War 1939/223: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:28 a.m.]
108. I should appreciate being advised whether the Department desires that the substance of London’s 87, January 10, 10 [1] p.m., be communicated to the German Government.
As the Department is aware from my 2209, December 2, 6 p.m.,91 I communicated the British note of November 24 and the Department’s suggestions as set forth in its 973, November 28, 4 p.m.,92 to the German Foreign Office on December 2. To date no reply has been received from the Foreign Office and it may be that the German Government is awaiting a statement of the French attitude toward the original American proposals for treatment of civilian enemy aliens.
The Department indicated in its 936, November 22, 6 p.m.,93 and 972, November 28, 3 p.m.,94 its intention to ask the French Government to reconsider this matter in view of the generally favorable attitude of the British.
In the absence of any subsequent information on this point I should appreciate instructions as to whether this Embassy should discuss at the Foreign Office the possibility of effecting an arrangement between the British and German Governments only on the basis of the points set forth in the Department’s 973 or whether the matter should rest pending the determination of the French attitude.