740.00119 Council/12–847: Telegram

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

top secret

943. For the Secretary. In strictest confidence Chauvel said to me last night that in view of the Russian tactics at London the CFM meeting will probably end in complete deadlock. This in turn will mean that no decision will have been reached either between Russia and the other three powers or between the other three powers themselves on vital German questions. Chauvel said that regardless of the Russian attitude it is of paramount importance that France, Britain and the United States reach agreement on Germany.

With this in mind he feels very strongly that prior to the break-up of the London Conference, the Foreign Ministers of the three Western Powers should agree to continue the secret talks on the very issues which the London Foreign Ministers Conference is supposed to be considering. Chauvel said that while he realized it would be inexpedient for Secretary Marshall, Bevin and Bidault to continue such conversations after the Conference breaks up, they should agree on who would represent them, where such conversations should take place, and what subjects they should cover.

Chauvel’s own thinking is that Washington is the best place since it is further removed and suggested the possibility that the British and French Ambassadors there, with one or two experts sent from London and Paris could be empowered to hold such discussions. He said that he had spoken to Bidault in this sense yesterday morning and that the latter agreed with the foregoing idea. He concluded by stating that if such talks can take place and decisions are reached, “real progress will have been made, for even if De Gaulle returns to power in the next several months he will not be able to undo agreements which have already been concluded.”

Sent London as 943, repeated to Department as 5263.

Caffery