Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 2

740.5/12–2854: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State ¹

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Paris, December 28, 1954—noon.

2712. For Secretary from Dillon. Last night’s favorable vote should practically assure ratification by Assembly late Wednesday night.² Difficulties in Foreign Affairs Committee were to have been expected as committee membership has always been more opposed to German rearmament than has Assembly itself. Important thing is that procedural difficulties have been surmounted and way has been cleared for final vote. It is most important that US make no statements of any sort today that could affect tomorrow’s vote.

If as expected tomorrow’s vote is favorable, we must realize that although toughest hurdle will have been passed, there still remains the Council of the Republic which will not act until late February or early March. We must talk and act during coming two months in a way that will make it as easy as possible for Council of Republic to take favorable action.

Reaction here since Friday and in particular, bitterness of comments regarding British statement make it clear that large majority of French opinion, even MRP circles which oppose Paris accords, is thoroughly ashamed of last Thursday night’s performance and wishes to forget it as soon as possible.

Though I realize that this is a mighty tall order, best policy for US will be to minimize antics of National Assembly once it has voted ratification. The Council of the Republic is equally or possibly more sensitive to foreign criticism than the Assembly. Criticisms of French institutions and French people in next two months will only make job harder in Council of Republic. I am sure there will be strong tendency in Council of Republic to act in dignified manner so as to offset shameful impression made by National Assembly. Seriousness of matter is well known here and does not need to be reemphasized for Council of Republic, I fully realize how hard it will be for US to react in this way immediately after last week’s performance, but I feel it is most important and is worth a great and concerted effort on our part.

Dillon

1. Repeated to London and Bonn.
2. A summary of the National Assembly debate on ratification of the Paris Agreements which began on the night of Dec. 27 and continued through until the early morning of Dec. 28 is contained in telegram 2711 from Paris, Dec. 28 (740.5/12–2854).