320/10–752: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dunn) to the Department of State1
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2130. Binoche gave us following résumé and elaboration of cabinet decision on handling Tunisian and Moroccan items UNGA:
France will not accept UN competence on Tunisian and Moroccan problems. As corollary France will oppose inscription, and, assuming items are inscribed, will not participate in GA debates. It will not, for example, agree to commission of investigation coming to Tunis or Morocco in event assembly should vote to establish such commission. However, present thinking is that Robert Schuman will make statement of France’s past accomplishments and future intentions in Tunisia and Morocco, probably at time these issues are taken up by first committee, but Cabinet is leaving to discretion UN delegation specific action it should take and timing thereof within above limitations.
Binoche said that although initial reaction to US position as outlined in Deptel 17802 was favorable, subsequent reports from Bonnet and Hoppenot made clear that US not openly and actively supporting France on competence question but that support was of more indefinite nature which could not be guaranteed to assure favorable outcome these issues before UN. Further factor entering into considerations was clear indication from British that they would strongly support France on competence issue. Binoche said that most important factor, however, was situation of government before parliament at this time.