751.13/1–1351: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bruce ) to the Secretary of State
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4032. Eyes only Secretary from Bruce. Deptel 3666, January 11.1 Pleven indicated today he attaches great importance to invitation and would like go Washington. He realizes visit will be essentially [Page 295] informal, is also aware that important decisions re Indochina will not have been reached by our government. Nevertheless would like to present French point of view re Indochina military campaign to President and yourself and if you think wise to General Marshall. If Chinese Communists intervene there with own troops French would be forced evacuate north and try to stabilize a line in south. Thereafter advisability and practicability of an evacuation would have to be decided but there must be advanced planning and mapping out alternatives this regard.
I think on balance Pleven should come for two day visit. I am personally satisfied that the spirit in France to resist aggression has substantially improved recently and that Pleven remains and will continue fully determined to effect a real French rearmament. An exposure at this time to our thinking in Washington would, I am convinced, assist him materially in the implementation by the Cabinet and Parliament of the necessary measures of common NATO concern.
As to dates he could come at any time between January 19 and end of month. Nehru will be here on 18th and Schuman and himself are meeting De Gasperi about the 31st.2 An early response would be appreciated.