Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Western Europe, Volume III

851.002/9–448: Telegram

The Ambassador in Belgium (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

secret

Brussels, September 4, 1948—noon.

1676. Spaak¹ is very disturbed over conditions in France following Schuman’s refusal continue form cabinet. He says this affects all Western European matters and throws uncertainty into many fields. Among other matters, he spoke of French proposal for Western European conference² which he says is at present nice “facade” but cannot be taken very seriously at this moment when France cannot even get a government for herself. The Security Council and GA Assembly matters are also jeopardized by lack of a French Government as well as consultations on Brussels Pact in many matters. Social disorders France are possible unless action taken and even dissolution and general elections would take so long that the effect on the General Assembly OEEC and other meetings in Paris could be serious.

Sent Department 1676, repeated Paris 166.

Kirk

1. Paul-Henri Spaak, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium.
2. For the United States view of this proposal, see telegram 3355 to Paris, August 27, 7 p. m., p. 222.