751.13/1–1051: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bruce) to the Secretary of State
niact
3925. Eyes only for the Secretary. In relation to previous telegram today subject possible Pleven trip US.1 I had lunch this afternoon with Reymond Aron, most sympathetic of all French writers to objectives American foreign policy. He is Gaullist by political affiliation but started out immediately by saying it was duty of Pleven go America and discuss at once with President and yourself what should be French policy in event, which he anticipates will shortly transpire, of Chinese Communist intervention in Indochina. Aron feels French will never make adequate contribution to European defense while maintaining best officers and non-coms in Indochina but believes plans there must be reviewed in light overall occidental policy and if necessary French Union Army should prepare in common interest for orderly retreat to south instead of evacuation. Thinks matter of such importance can only be considered by Chiefs of State and should be done without delay. Cannot have been inspired by anyone in French Government since for three weeks he has been completely isolated with daughter who just died. Incidently he holds strong views on possible CFM meeting being snare and delusion unless first article on agenda is proposal for free elections in both parts Germany under UN supervision which he thinks will be unacceptable to Russia. If so, is opposed to any meeting.2
- Presumably a reference to telegram 3922 from Paris, supra.↩
- For documentation on the Four-Power Exploratory Talks in Paris (Conference Palais Marble Rose), see vol. iii, Part 1, pp. 1086 ff.↩