840.20/7–849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
2472. When I handed Bonnet reply to Schuman’s aide-mémoire (Deptel 2471 July 8) I told him we expected Senate vote on Pact on July 12 or 13 and that MAP would be introduced immediately thereafter. I intimated French debate on Pact after July 14 rather than before would seem preferable. I stated I was slightly puzzled by Schuman’s reference in last para of aide-mémoire to “assurances” he had received in Washington. I said we had then advised him of our intention to press for MAP at this session and that we contemplated French representation on whatever small military executive committee might be established but that certainly we had not and could not give any assurances covering strategy. Strategy must be worked out under the Pact.
Bonnet inquired whether seat of organization would be in Washington and expressed concern when I said we had reached no decision on location. He had apparently advised his government we strongly favored Washington and expressed belief we had reached a position and were now changing it. This is definitely not correct. We have reached no decision nor formulated any definite views on location either in Washington or elsewhere.