Editorial Note
On February 2, 1953, John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State, and Harold E. Stassen, Director for Mutual Security, met with French officials in Paris. In a morning session, they conferred with Georges Bidault, the French Foreign Minister, and with senior officials of the United States Embassy and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bidault delivered a statement on various matters of common concern, including the proposed European Defense Community and North Africa. With respect to Asia, he welcomed “belated” recognition by the United States of the French contribution in Indochina. He also asked that United States decisions with regard to China be discussed in advance with France in view of the possible effect on the situation in Indochina. Secretary Dulles spoke to the various points raised by Bidault. In regard to Asia, he said that the United States fully recognized the interrelated character of the Asiatic theaters of conflict and was prepared to hear French views regarding measures to bring the Indochina war to a successful conclusion.
The afternoon session of February 2 was attended by René Mayer, the Premier of France. Mayer delivered a statement on a number of problems, including the question of implementation of the North Atlantic Council resolution of December 17, 1952, recognizing that the French effort in Indochina deserved the support of NATO nations. He emphasized the necessity for increased aid to France for Indochina. In reply to Mayer’s remarks on Indochina, Mutual Security Director Stassen drew reference to President Eisenhower’s State of the Union Message (see editorial note, supra) and indicated that the United States would be very interested in information regarding French plans for training Vietnamese forces.
The two Dulles–Stassen meetings with French leaders of February 2 are described in telegram 4303 from Paris, February 3; for text, see volume V.
[Page 378]In the late afternoon of February 2, Secretary Dulles held a further meeting with Premier Mayer, Foreign Minister Bidault, and Defense Minister René Pleven. Once again, a wide range of issues was discussed. In the course of the meeting, Mayer reiterated the belief of his government in the necessity for reaching an understanding which would make it possible for France to share the burden of the war in Indochina. This session is described in telegram 4294 from London, February 4, printed involume V.