9. Memorandum for the Record by Rear Admiral Truman J. Hedding of the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff1
SUBJECT
- Modernization of the French Armed Forces
At 10:30 this morning General Valluy2 called on Admiral Radford to discuss with him a memorandum that he had addressed to Admiral Radford on the above subject dated 24 October 1955.3 Rear Admiral Hedding and Colonel Walters, U.S. Army, were present during the discussion.
General Valluy stated that he desired to discuss in some detail the modernization of French forces. He stated that atomic weapons are becoming tactical weapons and it was quite clear to him that tactical atomic weapons would be needed for the support of the ground forces. He feels that the French Armed Forces will, in the future, require an atomic capability, that there will be a rebirth of the French Army. He had discussed this matter with the French Defense Minister, General Billotte during his recent visit to Paris. The Defense Minister will discuss this matter of the modernization of French Armed Forces with Secretary Wilson during the latter’s visit to Paris.4 Secretary Wilson will be presented with a similar Démarche to that presented to Admiral Radford. General Valluy stated that the French would appreciate encouragement in this matter now.
Admiral Radford stated that such a program for the modernization of French Armed Forces is inevitable, and then asked if General Valluy intended to make a specific request. General Valluy replied that this will be done by means of advance discussions with Admiral Radford. Admiral Radford pointed out to General Valluy that U.S. laws regarding atomic energy must be considered. General Valluy replied that the French proposal concerns the tactical aspects rather than the technical aspects of atomic weapons. The French do not have a tactical capability, and therefore will have to be trained. Thus, what is desired is crew training in the tactical use of the weapons rather than [Page 16] disclosure of the technical aspects of these weapons. He further feels that all of the NATO allies will have to develop an atomic capability. Therefore, it is necessary that this matter be discussed and preparations made in advance. Admiral Radford replied that he would expect to hear from Secretary Wilson in regard to the double Démarche. General Valluy then asked if he could assure his colleagues that Admiral Radford is sympathetic to this approach. Admiral Radford replied that he concurred in principle. General Valluy then questioned whether this matter should be taken up with General Gruenther.5 Admiral Radford replied that he should advise General Gruenther of the matter. However, the approach that should be followed is the one that General Valluy has proposed. Admiral Radford then advised that he would give General Valluy’s memorandum “Démarche” to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Source: Naval Historical Center, Radford Papers, Memos for the Record. Top Secret.↩
- Général d’Armée Jean Valluy, French Representative on the NATO Standing Group in Washington.↩
- Not found in Department of State files.↩
- Secretary Wilson attended the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Paris, December 15–16, 1955.↩
- General Alfred M. Gruenther, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩