Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972

130. National Security Study Memorandum 60¹

Washington, May 29, 1969.

TO

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director of Central Intelligence
• The Secretary of the Treasury

SUBJECT

• United States Policy Toward Post-De Gaulle France

Pursuant to the findings of the Review Group² on the short-term U.S. policy toward post-De Gaulle France (National Security Study Memorandum 55),³ on May 22, 1969, the President has directed the preparation of a more comprehensive review of U.S. policy towards France. This study should set forth the possible alternative courses for U.S. policy in light of the probable course of political and policy developments in France.

Other studies pertaining to U.S. policy toward France should be incorporated into an overall review of the various aspects and options. Consequently, the study requested under NSSM 47,⁴ “Military Relations with France,” will constitute a separate section to be prepared in a smaller group and reported directly to the Review Group. As previously agreed, the franc-monetary issues paper will be handled in like manner.

The study of the political issues in U.S. relations with France should take into consideration the possible course of events in France, the relationship thereto of U.S. interests and objectives, and the various options open to the U.S. More specifically, the study should concentrate upon alternatives regarding (1) the developments in French NATO policy; (2) the French attitude and policy toward European unity and the British entry into the Common Market; and (3) any other important developments such as French policy on Vietnam, Africa, the Middle East and the Four-Power Talks.

The President has directed that the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Europe perform this study. Additional members from agencies and departments not normally represented on the NSC IG/EUR may be added for the purpose of this study at the discretion of the Chairman.

The completed study, as well as the separate sections on monetary problems and military relations, should be submitted to the NSC Review Group on August 1, 1969.

Pending consideration by the National Security Council on United States policy toward France, at the conclusion of this overall integrated review, the President has directed that all parts of the Executive Branch shall be guided by the findings of the study requested in NSSM 55, as indicated in NSDM 14.⁵

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–153, National Security Study Memoranda, NSSM 60. Top Secret; Nodis.
2. See Document 128.
3. Document 126.
4. Document 123.
5. Document 129.