740.00119 Control (Germany)/11–1548: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris

top secret
us urgent
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Gadel 482. For the Secretary from Lovett. We had thought that before despatching any formal note in response to French Ruhr protest, it would have been preferable for you have a talk with Schuman along lines suggested our 44001 if you concur (reurniact 58902). We have not therefore prepared draft reply.

If it is impracticable arrange meeting with Schuman and you believe a note should be sent before meeting of Assembly, we agree Caffery might prepare reply as you suggest which, however, in our opinion, should be based in general on our 4400 and stress the positive assurances which have already been given to French in connection with our German policy. In our opinion statement made at House of Commons today while adequate for British consumption will probably not be helpful in respect of French opinion since it emphasizes German [Page 500] requirements. In connection with preparation of note however Berlin’s telegrams nos. 915 and 921 to Paris3 may be helpful.

Lovett
  1. November 13, p. 492.
  2. Supra.
  3. Telegram 915, from Berlin to Paris, November 13, p. 496. Telegram 921, November 14, from Berlin to Paris, not printed, transmitted the text of General Clay’s message CC–6717, November 13, p. 494.