740.5/4–1454: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State 1
priority
3895. Reference: Embtel 3873, April 13.2
Uneasy truce now exists between opposing factions within Cabinet, URAS and ARS ministers have decided against leaving government at least for moment.
Considerable confusion and tension resulted from Laniel’s conciliatory statement given April 13:
“In carrying out policy set forth and approved by very large majority, government took steps to bring Great Britain to specify modalities of cooperation it would be disposed to set up with EDC, which treaty, approved during last few months by Federal Republic, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg, is still subject to ratification by Italian and French Parliaments.
“Such is purpose of document which was taken note of by Council of Ministers during meeting April 12 and which Minister of Foreign Affairs was authorized to sign.
“Text will have to be approved by Parliament.
“Its execution is subordinated to EDC going into effect.
“Government also continuing negotiations with Federal Republic to obtain settlement Saar issue, which is still under discussion and whose aspects have been clearly set forth by France for very long time.
“Government hopes this settlement may be arrived at shortly. However, it considers that limit must be set to current discussions. Government [Page 939] thus has intention in any event to propose to Parliament that date be established for consideration of EDC treaty; this consideration will be preceded by debate covering fulfillment of prior conditions outlined in investiture declaration.”
Artfully worded statement somewhat mollified Gaullist ministers. URAS group subsequently issued communiqué to effect that French signing agreement for UK association EDC thus merely indicated “taking note” of document (Embtel 3881).3 This was later contested by Foreign Office communiqué issued evening April 13 which affirmed that signing had Cabinet approval and therefore committed government although not Parliament to which document would eventually be submitted for approval.
MRP ministers on other hand obviously pleased by Laniel’s mention of setting date for assembly debate on EDC. However, concluding sentence re holding preliminary debate on “prior conditions” disturbing, as any such debate could highlight such issues as Saar and might entail at minimum further delays before acting on treaty. In view increasing tension between Gaullist and MRP ministers, Cabinet meeting still scheduled for April 15 bound to be stormy.