852.00/5968: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 10—11:50 a.m.]
951. The French Government is a bit surprised at [the deadlock?] in the London Committee yesterday resulting in a mandate being conferred on the British Government alone to explore the possibilities for a way out of the present impasse. They say that contrary to the impression given in the press no agreement had been reached beforehand that any power was to act alone it being supposed that a “neutral” group such as the four principal powers would be named to carry on consultation together. However they say that they have of course the utmost confidence in the way the British Government will handle the situation and are keeping in the closest touch with the British, Phipps having conferred at length last night with Delbos before leaving to report to Eden today. The [task?] conferred on the British is interpreted here as being one of consultation only it being expected that the British Government after consulting with the interested powers will report this important matter rather than itself propose any solution.
The Foreign Office states that the international control on the French frontier will be terminated possibly tomorrow and in any case Monday unless in the meanwhile some new development takes place warranting its continuation. It is looked upon as a question of shortsighted prestige since France cannot any longer be the only country to permit the intervention of foreign control officers on her territory. It was emphasized that the withdrawal of facilities from the international control does not in any sense mean that the frontier [would be?] [Page 359] opened: the obligations of the Non-intervention Agreement will remain intact but would be enforced by officers of the French Government and not by the international control.
The Foreign Office states that they are unable to see any solution in sight at present and that they intend to stand firm on the [position?] which Corbin set out yesterday in London.
Copies to London, Rome, Berlin.