851G.00R/5–1150: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Bonbright) to the Secretary of State
secret niact
Paris, May 11,
1950—8 p. m.
2261. From Bonbright and Blum. Department inform ECA.
- 1.
- After receiving Ecato 495,1 we informed French proposed aide-mémoire unacceptable and showed them draft letter notification to states approved final paragraphs Ecato 495. Did not have full discussion as meeting with Pignon not possible until today.
- 2.
- Meanwhile, we concerted among ourselves in order to make fresh approach to formalities for initiating economic aid based on principles emerging from Ecato 495 and conversations between Secretary and Schuman on May 8. It was apparent we and French had been talking not only at cross-purposes but of different things. French concern about psychological impact of US economic aid on relations between them and associated states had before May 8 conversations led them to attempt to enlist our support in their negotiations with states for formation of quadripartite organization. This was not only unacceptable to us since it involved us in Franco-Vietnamese relations, but it [Page 814] also seemed unnecessary in light of May 8 conversations, which clearly established principle that US aid was in support of joint Franco-Vietnamese effort and question of substitution was excluded. It, therefore, seemed possible both to disengage ourselves from involvement in Franco-Vietnamese relations on matters of concern to forthcoming conference and to give French reassurance they were pressing for on psychological, if not actual, effect of substitution which presence of American mission with technicians might have in minds of Vietnamese.
- 3.
- Accordingly, when Blum, Wallner, and Koren2 met with Pignon, Du
Gardier, and Ledoux today they presented them with draft containing
following principles:
- a.
- Mission members will be guided by following principles emerging from May 8 talk: (a) Defense IC essential to that SEA which in turn closely connected with that of West, (b) Restoration security IC responsibility France and Associated states, (c) US aid complementary without intention substitution, (d) US conceives aid as reinforcing joint effort France and states.
- b.
- Aid goes to states on basis bilateral agreements with such approval by France as required by existing agreements.
- c.
- Desirable that France and three governments agree on coordination of aid programs to extent problems are common.
- d.
- Mission will have contact with states, French, and coordinating body if established.
- e.
- Mission members subject authority mission chief and will not become part administration Associated states. It was made clear this text had not been approved by Washington, and it was suggested that if informal agreement could be reached on principles contained therein, we could proceed to question of formalization.
- 4.
- French almost immediately accepted our text as meeting their principal concerns. Pignon asked that one additional thought be added, to the effect that US officials should remain at all times in contact with him on questions concerning aid to Associated states. Although this idea was already implied in point d, because Pignon attached such importance to it as evidenced in both this and previous meetings, we felt it wise to accept in principle.
- 5.
- We then raised question of whether and how principles contained in tentatively agreed text should be communicated to Associated states. French said they had no objection to document in its entirety being incorporated into letter of notification, pointing out, however, that we would no doubt prefer to modify point a in order to remove bilateral Franco-American implications. We observed that point to be added at Pignon’s suggestion could hardly appear in document to be handed to states. It was agreed at end of meeting that we would seek clearance from our governments of understandings reached up to this stage.
- 6.
- We feel that satisfactory agreement is to be found in proposed letter of notification to states and France that embodies agreed points mentioned above. Letter might be made public. Suggested text based on our discussions today and no doubt acceptable to French appears in immediately preceding cable. We feel this text overcomes objections to earlier proposal while being satisfactory to French and recommend its approval.
- 7.
- In order meet Pignon’s point, it would be necessary send additional (and unpublished) letter to French referring to first and stating it was understood that US officials would maintain constant contact with French authorities Saigon on matters relating to aid to states.
- 8.
- Please furnish comments soonest. Pignon leaving for Saigon early next week.
Sent Department 2261; repeated London Niact 640 for Bruce and Merchant; Department pass Saigon Niact 105. [Bonbright and Blum.]
Bonbright