Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

133. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France ¹

Washington , March 17, 1960—8:14 p.m.

3907. GRC and African states.

1) Department concurs Embassy suggestions G–845² and welcomes initiative Embassy has subsequently taken in seeking French cooperation on behalf GRC.

2) Department has been encouraged by indications friendly attitude toward GRC on part emerging French African states. Department hopes this tendency can be discreetly but effectively encouraged. Our general concern relates both to need for forestalling ChiCom penetration Africa and preventing prestige gains there among new states. Department also hopeful friendly attitude new African states might result in favorable votes on Chinese moratorium resolution next GA if new states admitted UN. We believe French Government shares our objectives this general problem and agrees entire free world would be adversely affected if ChiComs permitted spread their influence Africa.

3) We would hope accordingly French might use influence helpfully with new states to extent feasible.

4) Re independence day celebrations we note invitation lists have assumed importance in connection recognition policy of some new states. We would accordingly hope France might find means suggesting that invitation list might appropriately be based on members UN which we understand was basis for Cameroun list; and might also suggest that members UN Specialized Agencies be invited.

5) Re recognition policy we would hope France would find it possible indicate to new states that most free world countries like France recognize GRC and GRC has honorably upheld principles UN Charter. ChiComs on contrary repeatedly violate those principles and stand convicted of aggression against UN.

6) Re Chinese representation issue in GA would be helpful if France could explain at propitious time to emerging states general background moratorium resolution pointing out that it in practice affords opportunity discuss ChiRep issue thoroughly and expeditiously without unduly taking up time GA and that moratorium resolution by large majority UN members.

7) In view indications Communists losing no time in seeking influence new states Department believes desirable free world position be presented new states and that every opportunity be taken to further general objectives above. Department realizes delicacy problem and leaves to Embassy’s discretion timing and manner seeking obtain French cooperation within framework to which authorities in new states most likely be receptive.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/3–1760. Confidential. Drafted by Bacon on March 16; cleared by Rosen, Herz, Nunley, and Bock; and approved by Steeves who signed for Herter. Repeated by pouch to London, Brussels, Taipei, Dakar, Lome, Yaounde, Tananarive, and Brazzaville.
2. Dated February 24, it recommended discussing informally with the French Government coordinated French-U.S. démarches with newly independent African nations regarding Chinese representation in the United Nations. (Ibid., 303/2–2460)