800.51W89 France/966: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Straus) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 7—7:58 a.m.]
172. Have intimations that war debts are agitating French Cabinet and that Foreign Minister Barthou will invite me to conference in the near future. These intimations are accompanied by suggestion that French Government would like to know what method of settlement might be acceptable to United States of America to which I sent reply through same indirect channels as intimations came to me that it would seem to me that any suggestion of settlement should emanate from debtor and not from creditor.
Also hear that de Laboulaye concerned over anti-French feeling in the United States has urged French Cabinet to endeavor to arrive at some kind of settlement.
I would appreciate guidance if Administration has made or is contemplating making any move toward war debt settlement together with outline of Administration’s policy.