362.115 St 21/89: Telegram

The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Secretary of State

5371. [Department’s no. 3809, November 19, 3 p.m., for Polk,] and other cables as to tankers.

Please state immediately attitude of the Department towards tentative plan outlined in American Mission’s 5309 November 20, noon.64 This contemplates that the nine tankers claimed by the Standard Oil Company should remain under management of United States until definite distribution by the [Reparation] Commission on the understanding first, that the tankers should proceed at once to America for the purpose of one or two voyages to supply oil to Germany; second, that on completion of these voyages such of the tankers as might be necessary to meet reasonable requirements of France, Belgium, and Italy for operation [oil] should be utilized for further voyages to these countries; third, that the ultimate distribution of the ships should be decided at the earliest possible moment, [viz.], as soon as the United States Government appoints representatives [duly qualified] to act in the matter on the Reparation Commission.

As stated in American Mission’s 5309 Bérenger at first approved the idea of a solution on this basis but the French now state that the matter will have to be passed on by Mr. Clemenceau. It is likely that this modified attitude is caused by an effort to obtain satisfactory credit terms as mentioned in American Mission’s 5309. Probable that the British will also accept the arrangement outlined if the French do so.

The foregoing [is sent] in the absence of Polk in London, but at his specific request.

American Mission
  1. Not printed.