501.BE/9–1249: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
3744. Discussion Deptel 3286, September 2, at Foreign Office, Monod, head African Division, said he thought matter was now settled as continuation SCI for another three years “would certainly be voted at forthcoming UNGA”.
While expressing understanding of US position, he reiterated French contention that SCI was not mandatory under charter, and said French opposition to three year prolongation results from French conviction that as a result there were nine chances out of ten that [Page 358] committee would become permanent in fact. Monod rehearsed well known French position. In particular, he said France would have no objection to SCI if it limited itself to its technical and practical role, but was opposed to it as “one more forum for professional anti-colonialists such as Soviets and India”.
Monod, however, assured us that France would not withdraw participation if SCI extended to three year period.
Sent Department 3744, repeated London 623, Brussels 112.