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

740.00119 Control (Germany)5–448

The Director, Plans and Operations Division, General Staff, United States Army (Wedemeyer) to the Secretary of State

top secret

Washington, 4 May 1948.

Dear Mr. Secretary: Immediately prior to departure for Bogotá, General Ridgway informed me that he had been conducting limited exploratory discussions with the French Military Representative¹ to the United Nations. General Ridgway indicated that he was conducting these discussions with your cognizance and approval. He stated further that inasmuch as he was scheduled to attend the Bogotá Conference, he requested that General Bradley² suggest one officer to continue the discussions. I was designated to meet with the French General whom I identify as Mr. Ward. No member of my staff is aware of Mr. Ward’s identity or the purpose of his visits.

He has visited my office on three occasions. He did practically all of the talking and indicated his views concerning French capabilities. Throughout our discussions I emphasized that I was instructed to explore the situation in a very general way. However, on the last visit, Mr. Ward was very anxious to be specific and to elicit definite information concerning future American-Franco collaboration. Mr. Ward was particularly interested in acquiring equipment for French air and ground units. I made it clear that I was not authorized to consider such matters.

General Bradley has been kept informed.

Upon his return from Bogotá, General Ridgway visited me and I explained that I had held three meetings with Mr. Ward in each instance at his, Mr. Ward’s request. Mr. Ward wanted to plan specifically for military commitments on the part of France and of the United States. I told General Ridgway that I indicated to Mr. Ward that I was only making exploratory examination of the French capabilities under various premises. I emphasized the need for security and Mr. Ward appeared to understand.

General Ridgway sent today (May third) by officer courier, the enclosed note to me forwarding also a letter³ addressed to you. As you will note in General Ridgway’s letter, Mr. Ward requested that I open and read the letter, and insure that it is delivered to you. In compliance with Mr. Ward’s request, I have read the letter and am now forwarding same to you.

I have passed on to General Bradley the above information and showed him Mr. Ward’s letter. General Ridgway stated in his initial tial instructions that I should keep General Bradley completely informed in the premises.

A. C. Wedemeyer

Lieutenant General, GSC
Director, Plans & Operations

1. Lt. Gen. Pierre Billotte.
2. Gen. Omar N. Bradley, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.
3. General Ridgway’s note transmitted a letter of April 29 from Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, to Secretary of State Marshall concerning the urgent need to reach a strategic agreement as soon as possible. (740.00119 Control (Germany)/5–448)