396.1 GE/5–754: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State
Secto 133. Repeated information Paris 215. Reference: Secto 132.1 In giving us proposal contained reference telegram last night Lacoste stated that while Cabinet approval not yet obtained, delegation had been advised from Paris that as result of preliminary consideration first four numbered paragraphs could be considered firm and only minor changes expected in remainder. This morning however he and Chauvel advised Allen and Achilles that despite yesterday’s vote, situation inside Cabinet was explosive and that Jacquet, who returned from Paris last night, had told Bidault that French delegation could not possibly reject Communist proposal for immediate unconditional cease-fire without causing immediate disintegration of Cabinet and [Page 714] fall of Laniel. He also said if Bidault made specific proposal including statement that cease-fire could occur only after armistice terms agreed, he would risk being disavowed by other members of Cabinet and precipitating crisis. Bidault is very much disturbed and is considering returning to Paris tonight for personal discussion with his Cabinet colleagues. Am not certain of extent to which Jacquet was speaking personally or reflecting Cabinet view.