462.00 R 296/384: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
313. L–179, from Logan.
- (1)
- The American Embassy in London has telephoned that full report of the results of the Herriot-MacDonald conversations were cabled to you and that I shall have a copy tomorrow; after seeing it I shall cable my further recommendations.
- (2)
- In a confidential conversation on the set-up of the personnel of controls provided for in the experts’ report, Bradbury34 stated that the present British attitude is that the Agent General is to be an American; he intimated that the city of London is pushing Dwight Morrow. At risk of being misunderstood I venture nevertheless to suggest that an eminent banker, especially from Wall Street, is not the best choice for the post, if present political psychology in Europe with strong socialist and anti-capitalist trend be taken into consideration. There is already a not inconsiderable attack, only partly veiled, on the experts’ plan on general ground that it represents capitalistic dictation of Wall Street and city of London. This criticism would be crystallized and confirmed by banker’s appointment from Great Britain or the United States. Poincare has been particularly outspoken about such influences. I fully appreciate Morrow’s special and undoubted equipment for the job, and the effect that his appointment might have on the flotation of a loan in the United States.
It is, however, a question whether even these advantages are not counterbalanced by risk of future trouble not merely in Germany but also in the Allied countries where socialistic tendencies are quick to attack anything which has a semblance of capitalistic domination. The plan will be difficult enough to work out without any handicaps of this nature. I feel confident that the Department will appreciate that I am endeavoring to express a wholly impersonal view, that Morrow is a personal friend and that the objects of my remarks are best interests of the plan and of American unofficial participation therein as I see them. …
[Page 136]From what I gather from talking with Bradbury, the designation of the Agent General would practically be arranged in London within the coming week and the other appointments would follow shortly thereafter. Logan.