French Diplomat’s Debt Deal Sparks Controversy in the City of Schemes

April 23, 1926, Washington D.C. – In a dramatic move, French Ambassador Berenger submitted a formal proposal for the settlement of France’s $4 billion war debt to the United States. The offer, presented to the American Debt Commission earlier today, has left many in the nation’s capital grappling with its implications. Ambassador Berenger, who has been granted full authority to negotiate with the US, appeared before the commission for a mere 30 minutes to present the French offer, which was delivered entirely in French.