851G.01/6–1349: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
2139. Urtel 2430, June 13. Dept’s intention in forwarding its instruction 289 June 6 was twofold (1) to put French Govt on notice US, while recognizing internal polit realities of France may prevent Govt from proceeding beyond limits of Mar 8 agreement at this time, regards this accord as only first of important steps in evolution Vietnam (2) to make entire position Dept clear beyond peradventure. It was not intention Dept force French to renegotiate now Mar 8 accord as Emb has undoubtedly noted memo nowhere expressed hope French could at present take such action.
Dept of course accepts Emp’s judgment regarding delivery at this time of memo under ref and is agreeable to oral presentation of Dept’s [Page 57] general views on problem as contained in first four and half pages of memo. Dept suggests Emb in making such presentation emphasize (a) that we regard IC problem as continuing one in respect solution of which French Govt wld be ill advised to take intransigent stand (b) that future US considerations assistance IC will depend in overwhelming measure upon interpretation and implementation Mar 8 accord by both parties involved.
Pls show Sec foregoing,1 and note opinion Siamese Amb described in tel fol shortly.2
- Telegram 2533, June 20, 5 p. m., from Paris, stated that Secretary Acheson had not seen telegram 2139 before returning to Washington, but that the Embassy was in agreement with the Department and would continue stressing “overwhelming importance of a most liberal interpretation and implementation of March 8 agreements.” (851G.01/6–2049)↩
- Infra.↩