862.6362/8–847
The Ambassador in France ( Caffery ) to the French Foreign Minister ( Bidault )60
Dear Mr. President: As indicated in Mr. Marshall’s message of July 21, 1947,61 which I had the pleasure of conveying to you the following day, the United States Government agreed to suspend further announcement concerning the Anglo-American proposals for the revised bi-zonal level of industry in Germany until the French Government had had a reasonable opportunity to present its views for full consideration.
My Government is now prepared to give careful consideration to any representations which the French Government may care to make to it on the subject of the level of industry plan, concerning which information was communicated to the French Government in Paris on July 16. My Government would welcome an early expression of French views on the subject.
In the circumstances and in view of the desirability of avoiding any action which might tend to complicate the work of the Conference for European Economic Cooperation, it is hoped that the French Government, should they wish to raise any question about the level of industry plan, will communicate their views directly to the British and United States Governments, rather than at the Conference.
My Government is also prepared to receive and consider the views of the French Government with respect to the management and control of the coal industry in Germany, which you mentioned in your personal communication of July 17 to Mr. Marshall.62
I understand that a similar communication is being addressed to you by the British Government.
I take [etc.]