462.00R296A/39a
The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador ( Claudel )
Aide-Mémoire
The American Government had hoped that the experts committee about to assemble at Basel would be left free to examine the problem [Page 354] with which it is concerned without being faced in advance by definitive statements of national attitudes and demands. The prior presentation of conflicting demands may make the process of future settlement more difficult and meanwhile contribute to the weakening of Germany’s position.
Further, in order to avoid possible misunderstanding, the American Government wishes to convey to the French Government the view that it does not regard the statements of Prime Minister Laval as in any way representing an agreement or understanding arrived at with the American Government.