740.00111A Arms Control-Transshipments/5: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bullitt ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 14—3 p.m.]
1965. Your 831 [830], September 8, 3 p.m.,74 my 1875, September 9, 4 p.m. and your 913, September 13, 10 p.m. If the official of the Department who drafted your telegrams under reference will consult the Division of Far Eastern Affairs in the Department he will unquestionably be able to find there an exact explanation of the point of view of the French Government with regard to shipments via French Indochina. It is and will remain impossible for the French Foreign Office to make any other reply to a request for a definite assurance from the French Government on this subject.
I can, however, assure you that shipments from the United States consigned to China will not, in fact, be detained in Indochina or other French territory provided they are labeled on the principle that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
I should prefer not to discuss this question by telegram but if you do not understand and desire an immediate telegraphic explanation I shall be glad to give it. Please instruct me at once.