740.00119 Council/6–448: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
2471. 1. Baudet, in the absence of Massigli, called on me and said that Bidault had particularly asked whether in the forthcoming debate in the Chamber he might use the language contained in paragraph III of the report to governments entitled “Talks on Germany”.
If, Baudet said, it would be embarrassing to US for Bidault to use the exact language, might he use some modified language so as to give the impression that there would be joint consideration to the situation as it may develop in Germany.
2. I have no judgment on the matter, for I am not well enough aware of the implications of the reactions of Bidault’s use of the idea on our own internal Congressional situation. We might, however, agree that he say something along the following lines: “Obviously, the three occupying powers must give joint consideration in Berlin, or through diplomatic channels, to the entire German situation.”
3. To go much beyond this might, it seems to me, be construed by the Soviet as a consultative arrangement aimed against them. It might, therefore, influence them to take steps which they might not otherwise take.1
- Telegram 2107, June 5, to London, not printed, replied that the Department was averse to the French proposal set forth in numbered paragraph 1. The Department was not, however, opposed to further incidental reference by the French Government that joint consultation on Germany would continue as required. (740.00119 Council/6–448)↩