341. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, November 17, 19561
SUBJECT
- Call by French Ambassador on Mr. Murphy
PARTICIPANTS
- Mr. Robert D. Murphy—G
- Mr. William R. Tyler—WE
- Mr. Hervé; Alphand, French Ambassador
- Mr. Charles Lucet, French Minister
- Mr. Francois de Laboulaye, French Counselor
[Here follows discussion regarding Israel and Egypt.] The Ambassador then discussed the problem of Syria, in response to the Department’s previous questions on this subject. He said that the French Government has no plan for action with regard to Syria, but that it has been speculating on what might be done in view of the seriousness of the situation in that country. He said that Syria is becoming increasingly a tool of the Soviet Union, and that something must be done. … He said that France would like to discuss the Syrian situation and obtain our views. Mr. Murphy asked whether the French had held talks with the British on this subject and the Ambassador replied affirmatively, but said that these had not gone far. He asked Mr. Murphy what the policy of the United States was with regard to Syria. Mr. Murphy said that we were presently engaged in an appraisal of the situation, pending the outcome of which he was not in a position to say what our policy was. However, we did feel that it was definitely undesirable that [Page 606] any action with regard to Syria be taken. The Ambassador said that, nevertheless, the West must not appease the Soviet Union in that area. Mr. Murphy stressed the danger of undertaking any step which would set off a reaction. He added that there was a difference between appeasement and bad judgment.
[Here follows discussion regarding Egypt and the Suez Canal situation.]
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.51/11–1756. Confidential. Drafted by Tyler.↩