892.014/8–1646
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Acting Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs (Wallner)
| Participants: | M. Francis Lacoste, Minister-Counselor of the French Embassy |
| Mr. Moffat, Chief, SEA | |
| Mr. Wallner, Acting Chief, WE |
M. Lacoste called at his request to deliver the attached note No. 514,67 which contains the long awaited detailed proposals for the interim administration of the disputed provinces and the last paragraph of which speaks of possible additional security guarantees which might appear necessary to the French if border disorders continue.
Referring to the first part of the note, M. Lacoste pointed out that the concrete proposals for interim administration contained therein had been considerably moderated from the original ones and that in them account had been taken of our observations and comments. He felt that his Foreign Office had gone a long way to meet us on these points.
With respect to the latter part of the note M. Lacoste offered his personal interpretation of the measures of guarantee as the presence of French troops in the provinces during the interim period. He hastened to add, however, that the French would press this point only if the investigation of the Siem Reap affair revealed the deep involvement of the Siamese Government. He indicated that he personally did not think the French Government would find it necessary to press for the application of these measures. Mr. Moffat and Mr. Wallner therefore reserved comment thereon.
M. Lacoste then stated that the Embassy had finally received authorization to negotiate with the Siamese Delegation here. Since no mention was made of Prince Wan, it is assumed that the Quai d’Orsay has withdrawn its objection to dealing with him. In view of [Page 1065] the Siem Keap affair, however, conversations will be delayed until further light is shed on its origins. Mr. Lacoste added that M. Georges-Picot, newly appointed French Minister to Venezuela, would be available in Washington as Technical Advisor on Siamese matters to the Ambassador. (It will be recalled that M. Georges-Picot was recently French representative in Albania, before which time he was successively Counselor of the French Embassies in Washington and Chungking.)
- Infra.↩