98. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, December 5, 19571
SUBJECT
- Algeria
PARTICIPANTS
- Mr. Herve Alphand, Ambassador, Embassy of the French Republic
- Mr. Charles Lucet, Minister, Embassy of the French Republic
- Mr. Francois de Laboulaye, Counselor, Embassy of the French Republic
- Mr. Francis O. Wilcox, IO
- Mr. Joseph Palmer II, NEA
- Mr. Joseph J. Sisco, UNP
- Mr. Matthew J. Looram, WE
Ambassador Alphand called at his request and opened the conversation by saying the French were satisfied with Ambassador Lodge’s speech in the Political Committee on Algeria. Alphand reported on a telephone conversation he had with Pineau late last night. He said Pineau believes the best procedure is to have an extreme Afro-Asian resolution and a friendly Latin America-Spanish resolution submitted. The French assume that neither resolution would receive the required support, though the Afro-Asian resolution might get a simple majority in the Committee. In these circumstances, the French could then consider a possible third or compromise resolution. Alphand reported that Menon wants to submit an Afro-Asian resolution which is acceptable to both sides. Alphand said that while this might be logical, it was psychologically impossible from the point of view of the French; it was easier for the French to be flexible if resolutions representing each side were first submitted. At this point, Alphand said parenthetically that the LA-Spanish draft was about to be put forward when Ambassador Lodge had said that it should not be submitted at this time. (Mr. Sisco later conveyed the substance of this to Mr. Barco. Mr. Barco said this was definitely not the case, that the United States had not taken any action to stop the submission of the LA-Spanish draft. Mr. Barco said the reason these delegations and the Japanese had been “scared off” was because of the existence of the Indian draft resolution which is considered reasonable by a good many delegations.)
Alphand went on to say that it was necessary to the French to have “apparent” assistance from the United States. He said the U.S. could make its assistance apparent in two ways: active assistance in [Page 298] the corridors; and “a very precise position by the United States in rejecting the Arab-Asian resolution2 and in support of the LA-Spanish resolution.”
Mr. Wilcox said that while we are not fully familiar with the details of the tactical situation and numerous consultations, the United States had supported the French position in its speech. We had refrained thus far from giving our support to the Arab-Asian resolution, even though the USUN staff estimate is that it might obtain a 2/3 majority. Mr. Wilcox also referred to the fact that if Indian sponsorship was objectionable to the French, such sponsorship could be broadened to include a number of states from other areas.
Alphand concluded by reiterating the need for close and apparent solidarity between the United States and France on Algeria. Mr. Wilcox responded that he was sure our Delegation was in close contact with the French and that he had a report before him from Ambassador Lodge indicating that there had been two discussions with Pineau yesterday.3 In response to Mr. Wilcox’ query, Alphand said he had no specific recommendations to make other than that there be close contact between the United States and the French delegations.
Mr. De Laboulaye called Mr. Sisco an hour later. He informed us that Alphand had just spoken to Pineau. De Laboulaye said Pineau does not feel that the Indian resolution can be amended “at the present time” to the degree which would be necessary in order to make it acceptable to the French. For this reason, Mr. De Laboulaye said the French are falling back to the previous procedure; namely, that two extreme resolutions be submitted in the expectation that the French could be more flexible on a third or compromise resolution. He said the French believe it is important that the United States take a position openly opposing the extreme Arab-Asian resolution and supporting the LA-Spanish draft. He urged that we call Ambassador Lodge and request him to take this line.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751S.00/12–557. Confidential. Drafted by Wilcox.↩
- Draft resolution A/C.1/L.194, sponsored by 17 Asian and African countries, was introduced on December 5. It declared that the principle of self-determination was applicable to the Algerian people and called for negotiations. For text, see United Nations, Official Records, General Assembly, Twelfth Session, Agenda Item 59, Annexes, pp. 2–3.↩
- In Delga 542 from USUN, December 5, Lodge summarized his meetings with Pineau, who indicated his government’s opposition to the references to self-determination and negotiations in the draft resolution. (Department of State, Central Files, 751S.00/12–557)↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩