306. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France0

1052. Department grateful efforts obtain info re future status those French territories who vote “no” in referendum1 and French Government position thereon. Latest info Dakar 682 particularly helpful. Appreciate moreover French reluctance reveal now any intentions they may have for continued association with and assistance to such territories in view adverse effect it would have on other territories inclined vote “yes”. Final decision in any case may not yet have been made by de Gaulle.

Nevertheless Department concerned by likelihood we will be confronted immediately following results referendum by situation similar that on occasion Moroccan and Tunisian independence where other countries will immediately recognize territories opting for independence and France will delay and also request us delay recognition.

It would obviously be desirable for France take lead in recognizing following results referendum. We may not be able delay long pending French decision should others such as UAR and USSR recognize in meantime.

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You should accordingly see Joxe in endeavor coordinate our respective positions in advance.3 Failing that you should see Foreign Minister as soon he returns.

At your discretion and if you believe it would not be counterproductive, you may tell French in confidence were it not for UARUSSR aspect of problem which is made more serious by Toure’s past history, Dept would wish to proceed cautiously in recognizing an independent Guinea since recognition would create serious complications in other African areas, could be interpreted as endorsement fragmentation of Africa and of regime of questionable ability and political orientation. We are also disturbed over internal security situation which may arise with withdrawal French army and gendarmérie. But on balance believe early US recognition inevitable.4

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751.002/9–2558. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Matthew J. Looram of the Office of Western European Affairs, cleared by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Joesph C. Satterthwaite, and approved by Director of the Office of Southern African Affairs C. Vaughan Ferguson. Repeated to Dakar and London.
  2. A referendum was to be held on September 28 in France and all its overseas territories on the draft constitution for the Fifth Republic. French President Charles de Gaulle had defined a vote by any territory against the constitution as a vote for independence. Guinea was expected to vote in the negative.
  3. Dated September 24. (Department of State, Central Files, 751.03/9–2458)
  4. Telegram 1103 from Paris, September 27, reported a conversation that day between Secretary-General of the French Foreign Ministry Louis Joxe and Ambassador Amory Houghton. Joxe told Houghton that negotiations would be necessary to establish Guinea’s status. He declared that immediate U.S. recognition would have a “catastrophic moral reaction” in France and urged that the U.S. Government wait and see what relations Guinea wished to have with France before taking action. (Ibid., 751T.02/ 9–2758)
  5. Telegram 1092 to Paris, September 29, stated that in view of the French position, the Department would take no immediate action concerning recognition. (Ibid.)