Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The British Commonwealth, Western and Central Europe, Volume V

740.00119 EW/3–2046: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)

secret

Washington, March 20, 1946—7 p.m.

1392. Reference Bonbright’s²³ letter March 5²⁴ to MacArthur²⁵ text of our proposed draft agreement modifying Ital Armistice regime was cabled to Moscow March 19 and has been made available to Brit Govt.

In presenting draft to Soviet Govt Kennan was instructed to point out that our inclusion of France in draft text as one of powers concerned with modification is based upon our expectation that USSR would agree with this Govt that France should be regarded as signatory power. Kennan was told to add that in response to inquiry from French Govt Dept intends to make available copy of draft to French Emb here for information. This is being done tomorrow. Text of draft follows by mail.

You may inform Bidault²⁶ of our action stressing fact that in our draft France is placed on footing of full equality with US, UK and Soviet Govts.

We have asked Soviet FonOff for its concurrence or suggestions at early date. We would also welcome French concurrence.

Byrnes

23. James C. H. Bonbright, Assistant Chief, Division of Western European Affairs.
24. Not found in Department files.
25. Douglas MacArthur II, Second Secretary of Embassy in France.
26. Georges Bidault, French Minister for Foreign Affairs.