740.5/5–1754: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Tomlinson) to the Department of State 1
Coled 244. Department pass Bruce. Alphand states government will not bring question of fixing date for EDC debate for Committee of Presidents tomorrow and will oppose fixing date if question is raised on grounds prior conditions of Saar and protocol signature are not fulfilled.
Intentions now are to wait until after extraordinary Socialist Congress is held before asking committee to fix debate. In this way Socialists will be under discipline in committee and in Parliament in setting date. According to Alphand, procedures have approval of Mollet and Teitgen. Alphand mentioned around June 15 or June 20 as possible dates for debate assuming Government does not fall and Indochina situation does not deteriorate.
- Repeated for information to Bonn and London.↩