537. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State 1
2242. Crouy-Chanel gave us this morning rundown on French thinking re UNGA meeting this afternoon and French request for early SC meeting at ministerial level.
Crouy repeated several times very earnestly that French Govt considers cease-fire “extremely fragile.” Soviets may still be encouraging Egyptians to resist and sending them assistance for this purpose. Recent distribution of arms to Cairo population may result in attacks on French or other Western nationals. French Govt is being strongly criticized by important elements public opinion for ceasing fire prematurely particularly while Nasser still in power.
Hence French Govt views with alarm GA debate marked by inflammatory speeches and provocative or unenforceable resolutions. Such demonstrations could create serious complications and lead to renewal and extension of hostilities. French very much hope we will cooperate with them in 1) directing GA efforts primarily to maintenance cease-fire, rather than immediate withdrawal of forces; 2) concentrating in hands of Secretary General responsibility for setting up international force; and 3) transferring to SC at earliest possible moment consideration of major outstanding problems, such as withdrawal of forces, reopening of Canal and establishment stable peace in Near East. French believe all of these can be much more successfully handled in restricted forum and under more flexible SC procedures.
Comment: As far as we can judge from this end, French arguments quoted above are sound and deserve our support. Possibility of violation cease-fire by Egyptians under Russian inspiration is of course obvious. Moreover Crouy is right in stating many important French elements (including probably most military) consider ceasefire premature, particularly in view Nasser’s survival, and would be tempted to reopen hostilities if provoked in any way. It does seem of vital importance therefore that boat not be rocked any more than absolutely necessary and further public debate be limited to extent possible.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320.5780/11–756. Secret; Niact. Received at 8:46 a.m. Repeated Niact to USUN, Priority to London, and to Cairo. Fisher Howe forwarded a copy of this telegram to Hoover on November 7, under cover of a memorandum which summarized the subjects on which the French wished U.S. cooperation and which noted that Dillon supported cooperation. (Ibid.)↩