751.13/1–1051: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bruce) to the Secretary of State
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3922. Eyes only for the Secretary. Have never had official approach subject possible Pleven visit Washington but as I previously cabled (Embtel 3293, December 9 and 3757, January 32) this will be suggested and I have good reason to believe Pleven will discuss it with me this weekend probably saying that he is requesting my personal views so that he will not technically have made an official request that may be rejected by us.
To date in conversations with his friends, whenever the subject has been mentioned, I have endeavored to discourage trip. Last week in Parisian press speculation was that he would go to Washington about January 17 during recess French Parliament for short visit to exchange views with President and yourself on matters foreign policy. This report was of trial balloon nature and I believe inspired by Pleven himself.
From general French standpoint and especially that of Cabinet such meeting would be desirable even if merely pro forma. Budget, including rearmament program allotments, has been passed. Pleven would return here with greater prestige to subdue recalcitrant [Page 292] elements his own Cabinet and Parliament and would speak with larger authority to French people.
I have pointed out that President and you are extremely occupied, that Petsche and Moch have already been there,3 that Auriol is scheduled for visit to President end of March,4 that questions to be discussed by French might be handled through diplomatic channels. In spite of this I now feel that only a flat statement by me that such a visit would be unwelcome will now dissuade him.
Pleven is especially concerned to discuss our intentions; decision should be taken if Chinese Communist armies openly participate in Indochina war.
As I have previously cabled I see considerable advantages to be gained from our standpoint in improving French determination and significantly influencing French foreign policy as result such visit. As you are aware, although Pleven is determined to improve French defenses, his position on foreign affairs problems has not on some occasions been as acceptable to us as Schuman’s (Korea and the Chinese rails for example, on which I believe Pleven over-ruled Schuman). It would therefore be particularly helpful for Pleven to be exposed in Washington to our point of view. Also Pleven’s fluent English is advantageous. You are thoroughly familiar with disadvantages. If you approve such visit suggest it be limited to not more than two days.
Will await your instructions.5
- Telegram 3293 from Paris, summarized a speech by de Gaulle at Lyons attacking Pleven on the grounds that he did not enjoy sufficient prestige to be invited to the talks between President Truman and Prime Minister Attlee in Washington December 4–8. Ambassador Bruce reported that Pleven’s position was “somewhat weakened” by his failure to be invited and suggested an early invitation to the French Prime Minister in order to reinforce French determination to rearm and to enhance the prestige of the Pleven government. (751.13/12–950) Telegram 3757 from Paris, reported that French papers had recently carried “obviously inspired” stories “that Prime Minister Pleven will go to Washington between January 13 and 22 for discussions that will include direct talk with President.” (751.13/1–351)↩
- Maurice Petsche, French Minister of Finance, headed a delegation to Washington in October 1950 for financial and military talks with U.S. officials. For further documentation, see Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. iii, pp. 1357 ff. French Minister of Defense Jules Moch visited Ottawa in November 1950 for talks with the Canadian Government in connection with European defense.↩
- For documentation concerning the visit of French President Vincent Auriol to the United States in March and April 1951, see Documents 156 ff.↩
- Upon receipt of this telegram, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Perkins sent a memorandum to the Secretary of State concerning the possible visit of Prime Minister Pleven. “I appreciate that it would be most inconvenient for you and the President to receive Pleven in Washington at this time,” Perkins wrote, “and there is little we could give him to take back to Paris. Nevertheless, from my point of view the advantages that Ambassador Bruce set forth in his telegram to you … are certainly most pertinent and it would be most helpful if the French Premier might be invited to come to this country for a brief pro forma two day visit, subject of course to Pleven’s raising the question with Ambassador Bruce. I hope the above does not depress you too much and that you may be willing to raise the question with the President.” (Memorandum, January 10, 751.13/1–1051)↩