740.00119 EW/11–1346: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State13
[Received November 13—5:51 p.m.]
5604. Speaking today (5603)14 regarding the German question Bidault made it clear that the French will take no final decisions of [Page 1144] substance until after the internal political situation has been stabilized. He had hoped to go to New York with his hands free if the MRP had emerged with a comfortable lead over the Communists. As a result of Sunday’s15 elections however, such a trip is now out of the question and he stated that if final decisions on Germany are sought at this time the French will not be able to go along. Although expressing confidence that he and his party will emerge successfully from the political maneuvering which will take place in the next few weeks, he gave no indication of what his final position on Germany would be when the situation permits him to tackle the fundamental problem. He expressed the hope that hasty decisions would not be sought, pointing out that the Italian problem had been the subject of discussion for over a year and implying that a German settlement should not be rushed.