851.00/8–2646: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:10 p.m.]
4254. Bidault is considerably worried over the present internal political situation and particularly the question of the Constitution. The Communists are at present opposing vigorously the present constitutional draft which is being debated in the Assembly, and by exerting pressure through the Socialist left wing are endeavoring to force the Socialists to go along with them as they did in the first Constitutional Assembly. Bidault is worried that in the Socialist Congress the end of this month the Blum leadership may be so weakened that at least a part of the Socialists will go along with the Communists.
He is even more deeply concerned, however, over a report which he believes reliable that De Gaulle is planning to make a speech in September in open opposition to the Constitution. Such an event would definitely influence the referendum vote. Bidault does not believe that De Gaulle has as yet made up his mind but he is angered at the possibility of such a manoeuvre on the part of the General since it would greatly reduce the majority by which the essentially MRP draft Constitution would be passed and might even lead to its rejection. He still does not think, however, that the Constitution will actually be rejected in the referendum.