800.48 FAA/12–2447: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
5532. Afem No. 13. Re Mefa No. 1. From informal conversations which we have had with French officials it appears that in governmental [Page 821] circles there is apprehension that if the French Government simply signs a draft aid agreement1 without some explanatory or preparatory statement, it may be vulnerable to attacks that it has supinely agreed to conditions imposed by a foreign power to the detriment of “French National Sovereignty”. While the government naturally expects a continuation of bitter Communist attacks along these lines, it is also concerned over the possibility that the Gaullists (who in the past several days have been evincing open hostility) may also be tempted to criticize some provisions of the agreement. With this in mind the French are contemplating drawing up some form of French statement intended to make the point that the aid agreement is being freely entered into by the French and is not being imposed by US.
My initial and very preliminary reaction on the basis of what we have heard is that if such a statement by the French is in no way out of harmony with the foreign aid act and the bilateral agreement and will not introduce any questionable interpretation of the conditions laid down by the American Congress, in principle such a statement would not appear to be objectionable and might even be helpful in cutting the ground out from under elements which are hostile to the United States and to the Schuman government. On the other hand, I believe that any French statement or public comment by French officials which is not in harmony with the letter and spirit of the agreement or which could be interpreted as placing any limitations on any of the provisions of the agreement would be most unfortunate and could create serious complications.
- On December 20 the Acting Secretary of State sent to the Embassy in France the draft text of an interim aid agreement with France (telegram 4555, Mefa No. 1, December 20, 800.48 FAA/12–2047, not printed). Similar texts were sent to the Embassies in Austria and Italy.↩