CFM Files: Lot M–88: Washington Foreign Ministers Meeting, 19511
Minutes of the Meeting Between the Secretary of State and the Foreign Minister of France (Schuman), Washington, September 11, 1951, 3:30 p.m.2
U.S.–Fr. Min–1
| Members | ||
| Mr. Acheson (U.S.) | ||
| M. Schuman (Fr) | ||
| Also Present | ||
| U.S. | France | |
| Mr. Harriman3 | M. Bonnet | |
| Mr. Jessup4 | M. Alphand6 | |
| Mr. Perkins5 | M. de Margerie | |
| Mr. Bruce |
Contents
| Indochina | 1 |
| Germany | 2 |
| Italy | 4 |
| Morocco | 5 |
| Economic Situation | 8 |
| Press | 8 |
Indochina
1. M. Schuman said that his Government was preparing a note on Indochina dealing with the present troop strength and casualties and containing a projection of plans and problems for 1952.7 Without going into details it was clear that it would be impossible for France to carry out the proposed effort in Indochina and to fulfill its obligations with respect to the defense of Europe. France planned to spend a billion francs a day in Indochina alone and faced many problems in obtaining a maximum effort there as it was engaged to do. As to the financial problem the Finance Ministers would be discussing it further. In brief, after July 1, 1952, the French would be unable to continue their effort at the present rate and would face a, 150 billion franc deficit for the year. This deficit incidentally was included in the French estimate on the dollar gap. It was not suggested that the U.S. finance French policy directly but it was hoped that the U.S. could assist by arms and other troop supplies, especially in establishing the national armies of the Associated States. In this connection General de Lattre hoped to expand the present strength of 25 battalions to 50 battalions.
2. Mr. Acheson said that M. Mayer, French Finance Minister, had discussed this matter with General Marshall and had made a deep impression upon him. The need for a solution was generally recognized. There was general agreement on the principle as discussed during the talks with M. Pleven, that France should continue to be primarily responsible for Indochina, that U.S. troops should not be used, and that first priority in military aid should go to Indochina. This difficult problem needed careful study, since funds directly available for Indochina under the present aid program were not sufficient. Both General Marshall and Mr. Foster of ECA were examining all possible ways to find other routes to reach the common goal. All that could be said now was that the importance of this problem was fully understood, that the question would be given urgent attention, and that the U.S. had the will—even if it were not sure as to the means—to assist in solving this problem. Perhaps General de Lattre would be able to make some helpful suggestions.
3. M. Schuman said that Mr. Acheson’s reply was cause for hope in the future. He recalled the first promise in May 1950 for aid to Indochina which has been effective and well used. General de Lattre would develop more information on the long-term problem and relate it to the Singapore Conference. When he presented General de Lattre to Mr. Acheson personally on September 14 it might be possible to explore this problem further.
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- Consolidated records of conferences of Heads of State, Council of Foreign Ministers, North Atlantic Council, and other meetings of the Secretary of State with European Foreign Ministers, 1943–1955.↩
- From September 10 to September 14, the Foreign Ministers of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France held discussions in Washington, devoting their attention to a wide range of European and world problems. During the same period, Secretary of State Acheson had separate conversations with Robert Schuman, Foreign Minister of France, and Herbert Morrison, British Foreign Secretary. Documentation on the Washington Foreign Ministers Meetings and related discussions is scheduled for publication in volume iii.↩
- W. Averell Harriman, Special Assistant to President Truman; appointed U.S. representative on the Special North Atlantic Council Committee on September 26.↩
- Philip C. Jessup, Ambassador at Large.↩
- Hervé Alphand, French Deputy to the North Atlantic Council.↩
- George W. Perkins, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs.↩
- The note under reference was presented to Acheson by Schuman on September 12. For its substance, see telegram 1606 to Paris, September 15, p. 505.↩