Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

320/1–450: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

confidential

Paris, January 4, 1950—7 p. m.

46. Deptels 5016, December 30, and 8, January 3. We took up with Couve de Murville¹ today Department’s proposal for consultations with French, British and Belgian Governments on colonial problems. He said he would discuss it immediately with Schuman² but for his part he regarded it as a very happy and timely initiative and one in which the French Government would be glad to cooperate. He deprecated the differences which had arisen in New York and attached great importance to trying to iron them out before next General Assembly.

On specific points raised in second paragraph Deptel 5016 he said French had no intention of taking any public position. Without commenting directly on request that no “final conclusions” be reached he did say that French intend to proceed with consultations with British and Belgians.

Sent Department 46, repeated London 15, Brussels 6.

Bruce

1. Maurice Couve de Murville, Director General of Political Affairs, French Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
2. Robert Schuman, French Minister of Foreign Affairs.