840.50 Recovery/7–847: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
urgent
2714. I asked Bidault today what responses the French are receiving to the Franco-British invitation to attend the July 12 conference to formulate a European plan.
He replied that the following countries had accepted unconditionally: Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Greece and Turkey. From what he hears from the Austrians he also believes they will accept.
Concerning the satellites he said Poland and Czechoslovakia say they wish to send delegates but that their final acceptance depends “on the scope of the plan, etc.”
He believes Rumania, Bulgaria and Hungary are certain to refuse in view of Moscow’s radio announcement last night and this morning to that effect.
[Page 315]Bidault is particularly concerned about Switzerland and Sweden. For political and psychological, even perhaps, more than economic reasons he said it is most important that they join in the formulation of a plan. He said, “Unless they are persuaded to do so by governments other than French and British (he obviously meant US) they may refuse to go along.” Bidault is still hoping that the Scandinavian countries as well as Switzerland will go along and that a total of about 15 countries will meet in Paris.