No. 145

751.13/1–2351: Telegram

The Ambassador in France ( Bruce) to the Secretary of State
secret
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4289. Deptel 3842.1 I had dinner last night with Pleven. Monnet and Alphand were there. After dinner, Henri Bonnet came in. We discussed agenda in some detail. Pleven’s general intention is to talk frankly to President Truman, sketching out broad outlines of what seem to him to be part France can probably play in international affairs and views of French Government on salient features of international politics. Following gives substance his remarks in paragraph numbered to correspond to revised agenda cabled by Foreign Office to French Embassy Washington January 22.2

1.
He intends to deal with situation in Indochina which depends, in his opinion, as regards Chinese Communist intentions, great deal on US policy on Korea—whether we intend to hold there as long as possible, whether we meditate an early withdrawal, etc. In relation to US aid to Indochina he would like again to call attention of US Government to usefulness of an aircraft carrier which has already been rejected. He would also like to explain that French Government firmly believes in creation of large Vietnamese Army—to this end it has stretched its budget as far as possible in order to support such force and has asked Bao Dai to use indigenous revenues for same purpose. He does not intend to make plea to US for additional funds in this regard.
Pleven says unless Chinese Communists intervene, he believes French and Vietnamese can stabilize military situation there. If Communists do come in, he says French had no idea whatever of letting them do so without fight. He does, however, wish to call to attention of our statesmen fact that if French Union troops should eventually be forced out of country, they cannot evacuate unless they have some shipping support from Americans and possibly British. In regard to arms for Indochina, prime need is still for aircraft.
2.
He will very briefly mention present status of Schuman Plan for steel and coal and plan for European Army.
3.
Brief statement explanatory of French stand re Four-Power conference.
4.
He is very anxious indeed to have, within security limits, President’s views on what American intentions would be in event march by Russians through Germany and France. He would like to be informed whether in event we declared war on Russia, we would [Page 298] be in position to intervene rapidly and massively and drop atomic and other bombs on centers of Russian industrial production.
As to American aid to France in end items and money he does not contemplate asking for any additional sums, but would rather like to sketch out what French plans are in utilization of credits and supplies available from US and to be furnished domestically. Re strengthening of military, economic and political leadership of Atlantic Pact, Pleven would like to stress point that France should be included as full partner with US and UK in any important decisions or deliberations. Conduct of last war, he recognizes, was largely determined by Roosevelt and Churchill. He hopes now France will be made equal partner with other two powers. If occasion for grave decisions arises, he trusts President Truman will call Prime Ministers of Britain and France into conference in order to facilitate formation of common front.
As to organization of Atlantic Command, he recognizes this is largely military question and expects to inform President very briefly of French view on it in light of French political necessities. General Eisenhower is already familiar with this and General Juin can discuss it with Secretary Marshall.
5.
French give great importance to various methods considered to combat inflation. Most important is that of trying to control purchase and allocation of raw materials. France, unlike US and UK, produces very few of raw materials entering into international trade. She is heavy purchaser of cotton, wool, petroleum, non-ferrous metals etc. He realizes committees have been set up for this purpose, but hopes their operations may be accelerated.
Additional items: He will restate to President present status of French military and rearmament programs. If President brings it up, he will discuss internal Communist problem in France and measures which have been taken or which are contemplated to combat it. If President does not interest himself in this, he expects he will be asked this question at National Press Club luncheon and will answer it there. He will also be prepared if asked to discuss question of bringing about social reforms in France. Otherwise, he expects to be asked this question also at Press Club meeting.
Pleven does not expect to make any requests for additional aid from US. He would like to have opportunity to explain what France intends to do as NATO partner. He would also particularly like to develop French Government theory as to bringing about greater integration in Europe economically, militarily and politically as contribution to defense and also to achievement of European strength in future.

I gather impression above all, that Pleven welcomes this opportunity to try to convince President Truman, Secretary Acheson and other American officials that he is typical decent Frenchman, determined to resist aggression and to have his nation play its full part in measures calculated to resist aggression successfully.

Bruce
  1. Telegram 3842 dealt with the composition of and tentative scheduling arrangements for the Pleven entourage. (751.13/1–2151)
  2. No copy of the revised French agenda has been found in Department of State files.