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

740.5/9–1554: Telegram

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

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Paris, September 15, 1954—9 p.m.

1115. For Secretary from Achilles. Re Embtel 1112.² Mendes-France just sent for me to say he was deeply hurt by your message³ and that while he realized he was personally blamed by American opinion for Assembly’s rejection on EDC, he felt that any question of “punishment” was less important than future results and that he believed your omitting Paris would harm his and Eden’s efforts to work out constructive solution.

I said I would transmit his views to you immediately and that I would not presume to question his estimate of effect on French opinion. At same time I could express personal belief that Washington felt Paris was taking American reaction to rejection of EDC much too complacently and had little conception of lateness of hour with respect to American relations with Europe. Mendes denied any complacency and reiterated he was doing his best to bring about constructive solution but that your failure to come would make his task more difficult. I said that if his talks with Eden went very well, it might be good reason for you to change plans and visit Paris.

Press has of course shown keen interest in subject. Your decision has already had strong effect on Mendes and will no doubt have considerable public effect through tomorrow morning’s press. Will send further estimate of situation to Bonn tomorrow.

Dillon

1. Repeated to London and Bonn.
2. See footnote 1, infra.
3. This is a reference to Dulles’ letter to Mendès-France, Sept. 15, supra.