500.CC/3–545: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)23
923. Your 1040, March 5, 9 p.m.24 The article by Harold Callender from Paris in the New York Times which appeared March 6 made the flat statement, attributed to official sources, that when you conveyed the invitation to the French they thought you were speaking for not only this Government but also for the British and Soviet Governments, and it was not until Bidault went to London that he discovered otherwise. While mindful of your recommendation that no statement be made temporarily, Callender’s story—if not denied—was surely leading to further speculation as to this Government’s role in the whole affair. Therefore, late in the afternoon of March 6 in response to a question from the press, a spokesman for the Department speaking for background purposes only and not for direct quotation or attribution to the Department made a statement on this point. This question and answer are contained in the telegram immediately following en clair.
[Page 111]This is the last we will say on this point unless French official circles persist in keeping the question alive.