740.00119 Council/9–2245
Memorandum by Mr. Benjamin V. Cohen of a Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the French Minister for Foreign Affairs (Bidault), at London, September 22, 1945, 10 p.m.
Secretary Byrnes explained briefly to M. Bidault that the delays in the day’s session of the Council had been due to Mr. Molotov’s raising the question that the procedure of the Council violated the provisions of the Potsdam Agreement in allowing the members not party to the armistice to participate in the consideration of the treaties. Mr. Molotov did not agree with Mr. Byrnes that the understanding at Potsdam was that they were to participate in the discussion but not vote. He admitted that he had agreed to this procedure at the first day’s meeting of the Council but he could no longer accept this procedure. Protracted arguments by both Mr. Byrnes and Mr. Bevin had proved unavailing. Finally, it was agreed that items on the agenda not relating to the treaties should be taken up and in the meanwhile the heads of state should be consulted as to their understanding of the Potsdam agreement. Mr. Molotov stated that Marshal Stalin had already conveyed his understanding and, in fact, instructed him to cease to violate the Potsdam Agreement.
Mr. Byrnes told M. Bidault that at his suggestion the President had already wired Marshal Stalin asking him to agree to the procedure adopted by the Council.
M. Bidault expressed his indignation that the position of France should be questioned and stated that he would leave the Conference and not return if France was denied the right to discuss issues relating to the peace of Europe.
Mr. Byrnes asked M. Bidault not to take any action without consulting him further. Mr. Byrnes hoped that the President’s telegram would have some effect on Marshal Stalin. In any event, none of us should act hastily without full considerations of the consequences. To this M. Bidault agreed and promised not to act without speaking with Mr. Byrnes.
M. Bidault stated that he had dined with Mr. Molotov the previous evening and he had not indicated in his [any?] way his objection to the procedure of the Council. He had upbraided M. Bidault for not supporting him, indicating that the other members were usually lined up against him.
Mr. Byrnes indicated that he thought it quite possible that Mr. Molotov used the matter of procedure as only an excuse for breaking up the Conference because he could not have his own way.
There was some further discussion about the need of avoiding hasty action in the event of crises and the possibility of France working [Page 331] with us on the Italian treaty even if there was not agreement on the procedure for the Balkan countries, as we ourselves might not be able to sign the Balkan treaties as we had not been able to recognize the Balkan governments.