15. Memorandum for the Record by Rear Admiral Truman J. Hedding of the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff1
At 1500 General Valluy called on Admiral Radford and advised that prior to his leaving for Paris he wished to discuss certain items with Admiral Radford. These items were the Middle East, North Africa and the Far East. In connection with the latter, he said that it was his desire to get first hand Admiral Radford’s impressions as the result of his recent trip.2
In regard to the first item, the Middle East, General Valluy stated that he understood there had been certain military meetings in connection with the recent Eden visit that bore on the Middle East, and particularly the Tripartite responsibilities. He advised that although he would be absent for approximately the next three weeks, he would like Admiral Radford to know that the French delegation here in the Pentagon, particularly Colonel Boussarie,3 is at Admiral Radford’s disposal in connection with this matter. Admiral Radford replied that he had not taken part in any Tripartite meetings, nor in any military planning or talks. There had been only one Tripartite meeting recently on this matter and no military observers were present. General Valluy stated that he had been advised by the French Ambassador4 that military observers would attend the Tripartite political meetings. Admiral Radford replied that it is possible that military representatives will be called in. However, to date he had not been asked. General Valluy then inquired if there had been any military planning or military actions. Admiral Radford replied that only the Naval demonstrations in the Eastern Mediterranean, and he understands that the French Ambassador had been advised of these operations.
General Valluy then discussed briefly the second item, that of the situation in North Africa. He stated that he was quite worried about the problems in North Africa, particularly from a political viewpoint. He felt that the greatest concern was with Algeria, and that the economic operations of the Arab League may lead to a communist approach. He felt that the absorption of the Algerian French and Algerian Arabs into France would have the result of cutting off the Arab [Page 31] League. He is not overlooking the problem of political agitation in Algeria [and?] in France and that the whole matter presents many difficulties.
General Valluy then brought up the subject of Admiral Radford’s recent Far East visit and asked if Admiral Radford felt optimistic about the situation out there. Admiral Radford stated that as a result of the trip he did not feel too optimistic, that there were many problems that have to be solved. He felt that the situation in South Vietnam was not as good as he was led to expect before he left Washington on his last trip. General Valluy then replied that we would probably always have worries in connection with this area and he sometimes wondered where we could turn.
General Valluy then brought up another subject, that of modernization of the French forces to atomic capabilities. Although he had mentioned this subject to the Admiral previously,5 he felt that he would be questioned by the new Defense Minister6 on this subject, and that he hoped that by the time he returned to the Pentagon steps would be taken in this matter. Admiral Radford replied that he had been waiting for more details, that he expected the French to come up with more information on the subject, and that he is awaiting this information. General Valluy replied that he would check on this in Paris, however, he felt that there were two factors to be considered:
- a.
- Training, and
- b.
- The provision of atomic weapons.
He feels that French forces should be prepared to participate in atomic operations, particularly air operations. Admiral Radford then pointed out to General Valluy that under our laws we cannot transfer weapons, and we are limited as to the information that we can transmit. General Valluy said that he still feels that training can be undertaken under present agreements and within the provisions of U.S. laws.
- Source: Naval Historical Center, Radford Papers, Memos for the Record. Secret↩
- Admiral Radford took a worldwide inspection trip, December 12, 1955–January 19, 1956.↩
- Colonel Armand Boussarie of the French Liaison Staff.↩
- Maurice Couve de Murville.↩
- See Document 9.↩
- Maurice Bourgès-Maunoury became French Minister of Defense on February 1.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩