110.15 MC/6–750: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bruce ) to the Secretary of State
2730. Deptel 2305, May 19.1 We have discussed with Foreign Office Letourneau’s remarks on McGhee’s Oklahoma City speech May 8. Monod stated that Letourneau, during press conference May 13 at end of meeting of French Colonial High Commissioners had been queried about McGhee’s speech, and that his comments had been based on fragmentary excerpts appearing in Paris press, which had highlighted American support of independence for colonial peoples. Without full knowledge of US policy as carefully defined in McGhee’s speech and uninformed on discussions being carried on in Foreign Ministers conference in London, Letourneau’s statements according to Monod, were ill-founded and calculated to appeal to parliamentary and public opinion.
Monod again reiterated pleasure at basic understanding between us on general objectives in Africa as evidenced in Foreign Ministers conference, London, and remarked that there seemed to be only difference of emphasis on approach to problem. US put more stress on urgency political development dependent areas, whereas French placed economic and social progress well in forefront, and as prerequisite to self-government.
Monod asked for 50 copies McGhee speech which he wishes circulate throughout French Overseas Ministry and French Missions in colonies, for he considers this clear declaration US policy would go [Page 1545] long way to disabuse false notions of American intentions inculcated in minds some French colonial officers. We are delivering translation of full text and Monod has promised that it will be brought to attention Letourneau as well as other interested officers.
- Supra.↩