Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Africa, Volume XIV

308. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State⁰

Paris, October 15, 1958, 7 p.m.

1360. Re Deptel 1309, rptd London 3771, Dakar 82.¹ I discussed subject reftel with Foreign Minister this afternoon.

Couve de Murville said subject was thoroughly discussed in Quai meeting this morning and that, while there has been and continues to be communication between Conakry and French Govt, latter does not want to move forward too quickly since all other African territories (Ivory Coast, etc.) are watching anxiously to see what treatment Guinea will receive and what they can expect later. French Govt does not wish at this juncture to take action which would give members of future community ground for feeling they might have done better by voting “no.”

At this morning’s meeting it was decided that France would consult with friendly govts, and particularly UK and ourselves, requesting us to postpone recognition for present. He trusts the matter will be settled in about two or three weeks.

With respect to possible application for Guinea membership UN, he says he hopes we may keep in close touch on this. In any event the matter would come soon before Security Council “where it is more easily handled” and it would be better were application made in middle of November (near end of GA) than in middle October.

It would be best of all, in his opinion, if application for membership were made at next session as this would permit France to sponsor Guinea, which she would like to do but does not feel she can do at this juncture.

In reply to my inquiry as to whether it would not be possible to separate question of recognition and future Franco-Guinean relations, he said from French point of view two are closely allied and particularly in minds of other territories.

He thoroughly realizes our embarrassment and appreciates attitude we have taken so far and trusts we can delay at least few weeks more. Meanwhile he trusts French, British and ourselves can keep in close touch on this question.

With reference to my remark re number of countries recognizing, he rather caustically said, “Yes, Soviet Union, Communist China, Egypt and Yugoslavia.”

I said that I understood there were some 28 (Dakar’s 115 to Dept).²

Lyon

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770B.02/10–1558. Secret. Repeated to London and Dakar.
1. Telegram 1309 to Paris, October 14, instructed the Embassy to take up the question of recognition of Guinea with French Foreign Minister Couve de Murville, pointing out the “increasingly difficult posture of the United States” as more countries recognized Guinea and requesting information on French plans for recognition or “at what point France’s friends can extend recognition with French acquiescence.” (Ibid., 770B.02/10–1258)
2. Telegram 115 from Dakar, October 13, reported a conversation between Dumont and Joseph Diallo, an emissary from Sekou Touré, who had delivered a letter from Touré to Dumont dated October 9 renewing his request for diplomatic relations with the United States. Diallo conveyed a message from Touré emphasizing the importance he attached to U.S. recognition and stating that he realized it was in Guinea’s interest to remain with the Western bloc. (Ibid., 770B.02/10–1358)