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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]