Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 1

851G.00R/6–1951: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

secret

Paris, June 19, 1951—9 p. m.

7900. From Embassy and ECA Mission. Pass ECA/W. Ref para one Saigon’s 2218 to Dept, rptd Paris 893 [892], June 14, contention by French officials IC alleging force feedings US economic aid wld seem result either monumental lack of communication between French Govt and their HICOM IC on this subject or striking case of political amnesia. Paris ECATO 143, Feb 10, 1950,¹ indicated that at that time Dept and ECA/W agreed it wld be appropriate for French initiate conversations re provision of ECA assistance to IC, and it was suggested to French that they approach ECA Mission France if they wished to discuss next steps possible ERP aid IC. Dept’s intel Feb 16, 1950, 1 a. m., indicated receipt aide-mémoire from French Embassy requesting political, military and economic aid for IC.² According intel, aide-mémoire stated economic aid “indispensable” for IC. As reported Paris Toeca 191, Feb 18, 1950,³ officers ECA Mission to France, including Blum, met on that date with Alphand and Vaurs of Foreign Office and De Margerie of Inter-Ministerial Committee to discuss IC economic aid, Alphand referred to aide-mémoire given by Ambassador Bonnet to Secretary, setting forth proposed policy for political, military and economic aid IC. Alphand expressly indicated at outset he wished talk only of economic aid. At no point did discussion touch on any linkage economic and military aid. Alphand repeatedly stressed great need for economic assistance IC in view serious political situation, comparing effort needed to that made in Greece and Turkey, assume this record of specific French request for economic aid sufficiently explicit. It is hardly necessary to add that from beginning French undoubtedly aware, in view position three Associated States in French Union as well as character and purposes proposed program, extension ECA aid IC wld automatically carry with it establishment of local mission to administer such aid.

For Saigon’s info French have never implied to Embassy or ECA French Mission that ECA aid was unwillingly accepted by them in order to obtain military assistance, although French dissatisfaction with some aspects program such as size ECA Mission and content and manner of publicity, has been expressed to us occasionally.

Dept pass Saigon; sent Dept 7900, Saigon 418.

Bruce

1. Not printed.
2. The telegram is not printed, but for a summary of the aide-mémoire, see memorandum of conversation by the Secretary of State, February 16, Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. vi, p. 730.
3. Not printed.