84. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State0
2265. When Couve raised question nuclear submarine with Secretary December 17,1 latter told him problem was one of security involving presence Communists in Atomic Energy Commissariat. Secretary suggested that if responsibility could be shifted from Commissariat to Defense Department, this obstacle might be overcome since latter appeared to be “clear”.
De Rose and Goldschmidt were told by Farley and McBride today that in spite of security problem, we could go ahead with agreement for provision enriched uranium fuel. They added we might be able negotiate agreement covering their fields of cooperation in nuclear submarine propulsion if responsibilities for this program transferred to French Defense Department and these arrangements met security standards.
De Rose and Goldschmidt expressed interest sending mission to Washington in January to work on agreement, nature of which would have to be initially determined by Guillaumat in light available alternatives.
Suggest Department inform French Embassy of general lines of foregoing conversations.