740.0011 Mutual Guarantee (Locarno)/556: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—5:20 p.m.]
103. Interest now centers on British and French reaction to the German proposals. Nevertheless, brief comment from here may be useful.
Local non-German opinion thus far canvassed is impressed with Hitler’s apparent effort to talk over the heads of “cabinets” and the governments generally to the people directly. This was presaged in his campaign speeches (see our 95, March 25, 2 p.m.37) and point 16 of the “peace plan” seems to be to this end. Furthermore, this is in line with the tactics he pursued in gaining ascendency in Germany. Secondly, the French were given no satisfaction with regard to fortifications in the Rhineland although military arrangements short of this appear to be covered. Possibly, however, the vital fortification question can be approached on a basis of reciprocity under point 9 of the “peace plan.” This may be leading up to the ideas described in our 69, March 11, 1 p.m. On the other hand, the general tone of the proposals is conciliatory. There is no menace nor any threat of “isolation” if the German plan is not accepted. Furthermore, in point 18, Germany shows a willingness to reenter the League at once.
Insofar as words have any meaning the German proposals indicate a desire on the part of its Government to solve by cooperative agreement rather than by force of arms those problems on which a settlement of Europe and its peace depend. Each nation and individual concerned is doubtless trying to estimate Hitler’s sincerity in this. While this is a natural approach to the necessary forming of an opinion with regard to Germany’s position we feel that the decision should rest on a different ground than that of sincerity. We feel that the best present chance is to call Hitler’s bluff for peace, since the powers concerned do not seem willing or capable of calling his bluff for war, to put it that way. If, after negotiation, it appears that Hitler is not bluffing for peace and is working for a harmonious settlement of European problems, then well and good; Europe would be on its way out of its present major difficulties. If, on the other hand, after a few months’ consideration and negotiation in a real spirit of equality, it is found that Hitler’s proposals are a sham and only a facade for conquest then European opinion and indeed world opinion will have a sounder basis for common agreement and doubtless common action and meanwhile little if anything will be lost.
Repeated to Paris, London, Rome, Geneva, by air mail to Praha, Brussels, Bucharest, Istanbul.
- Not printed.↩