André de Laboulaye

André Lefebvre de Laboulaye entered the foreign ministry in 1898 after studying law and political science. He served in Bucharest, Rome, Berlin, and Paris, and gained extensive American experience through assignments in Washington before and after the First World War. He later directed European affairs and served as deputy director of political and commercial affairs before returning to Washington as ambassador in 1933. ¹

The unresolved First World War debts were a central issue during his ambassadorship. On 15 December 1933 he informed Secretary of State Cordell Hull that France would not pay the installment then due. His note maintained that France was not unilaterally repudiating its obligations, but argued that changed circumstances required a new settlement. ²

He also took part in cultural relations beyond Washington. In 1935 he helped lay the cornerstone of Louisiana State University's French House, built to house students studying Romance languages. His son François later served as ambassador to the United States as well. ^{3, 1}