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500.A15A/Personnel/1251

Memorandum by the Secretary of State Regarding a Conversation With the German Ambassador (Luther)

[WASHINGTON,] November 2, 1933.

After talking with me on another matter, the German Ambassador turned to the subject of the return of Norman Davis from the Disarmament Conference at Geneva. I said, "Yes, Mr. Davis is returning for a conference." The Ambassador inquired as to whether and when he would return to Geneva. I replied that my government was naturally deeply interested in the cause of world peace and hence in the cause of disarmament to the extent that it was strictly in harmony with world peace movements. I stated that this broad policy of world disarmament attracted our sympathy and support to the extent that it would be calculated to advance and improve conditions of world peace. I said that speaking individually and not even to be bound individually after I conferred with Norman Davis, the outlook in Europe at this distance for disarmament or for peace did not appear very encouraging. I added that a general war during the

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next two to ten years seemed more probable than peace; that my country had exerted itself in every way possible in support of the latter and against the possible recurrence of the former, but that frankly I felt somewhat discouraged, speaking still for myself individually. The Ambassador then quoted Hitler's statement to the effect that Germany would not seek the restoration of Alsace-Lorraine and that in his opinion this should quiet French apprehension. He added that the Saar question was an entirely separate one.

C[ORDELL] H [ULL]

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