740.00119 EW/10–2545
Memorandum by the Director of the Office of European Affairs (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
We have had a further teletype conversation with Mr. Dunn this morning.…
Mr. Dunn was then told of the French Ambassador’s suggestion that he stop over in Paris for two or three days to discuss the French Ruhr-Rhineland proposal. Mr. Dunn replied:
“My understanding is that the French want to talk with American economic experts before the political phases are discussed and I feel that that procedure is essential. There is not much use in discussing the political aspects until we have first had a full discussion of the economic implications of their proposal. I further understand that the French would like to discuss the economic aspects with the experts we will have in Paris for the Reparations Meeting beginning October 29.42 I suggest we go along with that arrangement and then after receiving the report of the economic discussions we have the French Ambassador discuss the political aspects with us in Washington or if you prefer to have the French Foreign Office discuss the political aspects with Caffery. I expect to bring home a report of the Franco-British discussions up to the point they have reached when I leave here. Let me know what you think of this suggested program.”
It is my understanding that you do not desire to have Mr. Angell43 and his associates discuss these economic aspects of the matter in Paris and, if you concur, I will so inform the French Ambassador and also Mr. Dunn.
. . . . . . .