304. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Laird to President Nixon

Summary: Laird discussed the defense dimension of the U.S.-French relationship.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–198, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–175. Top Secret; Sensitive. Attached but not published is Tab A, an undated paper entitled “Ballistic Missile Assistance.” Tab B, a draft NSSM, is ibid. Nixon did not indicate his preferences regarding Laird’s recommendations. Sonnenfeldt forwarded Laird’s memorandum to Kissinger under cover of a February 3 memorandum; he also forwarded, for Kissinger’s signature, Documents 305 and 306. Kissinger signed both documents.

305. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of Defense Richardson

Summary: The President directed the Department of Defense to proceed on an interim basis with limited assistance to the French missile program.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–198, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–175. Top Secret; Sensitive. Copies were sent to the Secretary of State and the DCI.

306. National Security Study Memorandum 175

Summary: The President directed a review of U.S. nuclear defense policy toward France.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–198, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–175. Top Secret; Sensitive. Copies were sent to the DCI and the Chairman of the JCS. For NSDM 103, Military Cooperation with France, and NSDM 104, Cooperation with France on Nuclear Safety, see Documents 153 and 154, Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972.

307. Analytical Summary of a Study Prepared by the Ad Hoc Interdepartmental Group for Europe

Summary: The paper provided an analytical summary of the study prepared in response to NSSM 166, Review of U.S.-French Bilateral Issues.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–67, Meeting Files, SRG Meeting—NSSM 166 US-France Bilateral Issues 4/24/73. Secret. Sent by Sonnenfeldt as an attachment to an April 23 briefing memorandum to Kissinger covering the April 24 SRG meeting on NSSM 166. Attached but not published is the 62-page study prepared in response to NSSM 166. For NSSM 166, see Document 163, Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972.

308. Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting

Summary: The Senior Review Group considered the study prepared in response to NSSM 166, Review of U.S.-French Bilateral Issues.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–113, SRG Minutes (Originals) 1972–1973 (3 of 4). Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. Attached but not published is Walters’ briefing text, an April 23 paper entitled “Franco-American Relations.” In his briefing, Walters predicted that the recent easing of U.S.-French tensions would continue, but cautioned that some U.S.-French differences would remain, particularly regarding the U.S. role both in Europe and the world. The papers requested at this meeting were sent to Kissinger under cover of a May 11 memorandum from Eliot. (Ibid., Box H–195, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–166)

309. Memorandum From Denis Clift of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)

Summary: Clift discussed the studies prepared in response to NSSM 175, U.S. Nuclear Defense Policy Toward France.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–198, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–175. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, message Tohak 106 from Scowcroft to Kissinger, May 19; at the bottom of the message is a checkmark next to the option to postpone the meeting. Richardson forwarded Part I of the study prepared in response to NSSM 175 to Kissinger under cover of a May 11 memorandum, and Director of the Bureau of Politic-Military Affairs Ronald Spiers forwarded Part II of the study to Kissinger under cover of a May 15 memorandum; both documents are ibid. No record of a SRG meeting on these studies was found. Citing the U.S. interest in an independent French, as well as British, nuclear capability, Nixon offered Pompidou U.S. assistance for the French nuclear program on June 1; Nixon noted that his offer carried no “political price, with nothing attached to it.” Pompidou agreed to send French experts for discussions in Washington. (Memorandum of conversation, June 1; Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 26, France Meetings, 1973, May–June (Reykjavik, Iceland))

310. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for International Economic Affairs (Flanigan) to President Nixon

Summary: Flanigan requested Nixon’s decision on a revised proposal for export of the B–1 bomber engine to France.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–240, Policy Papers, 1969–1974, NSDM–220. Confidential. The draft decision memorandum was not attached. Nixon approved the second option. Nixon’s decision was conveyed in NSDM 220/CIEPDM 18, June 4, entitled “GE–SNECMA, CFM–56 Jet Engine Joint Development,” in which he approved the license subject to the conclusion of an agreement with France on physical security and protection of technology and an understanding that France would not seek new tariffs against U.S. aircraft imports into the EC. (Ibid.)

311. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Nixon, Pompidou, and U.S. and French officials reviewed their May 31 to June 1 talks.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, Staff Member & Office Files, President’s Office Files, Memoranda for the President, Box 91, Beginning May 27 (1973). Top Secret; Sensitive. All brackets are in the original. The meeting took place in Kjarvalsstadir. For the May 31 discussions among Pompidou, Nixon, and Kissinger, see Documents 20 and 21; see also Document 41 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXXI, Foreign Economic Policy, 1973–1976. A memorandum of conversation recording a meeting among Pompidou, Nixon, and Kissinger on June 1 from 10:15 until 11:45 a.m. is in Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 26, France Meetings, 1973, May–June (Reykjavik, Iceland). For the May 31 discussion between Giscard and Shultz, see Document 40 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXXI, Foreign Economic Policy, 1973–1976. Memoranda of conversation recording the May 31 and June 1 talks between Jobert and Rogers are in Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0001, France 337 31 May 73 and ibid., 1 June 73.

312. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Kissinger, Schlesinger, Foster, and Hoffman discussed an upcoming visit by Galley and U.S.-French nuclear cooperation.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1027, Presidential/HAK Memoranda of Conversation, Memcons, April–Nov 1973, HAK + Presidential (3 of 5). Secret. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The memorandum incorrectly identifies the location of the meeting as the Western White House; the meeting took place in the Pentagon from 12:15 until 2:22 p.m. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 438, Miscellany, Record of Schedule) Scowcroft forwarded Kissinger the meeting materials he requested, as well as the French requirements list, under cover of an August 30 note. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 56, Country Files, Europe, General, French Exchanges (1 of 2))

313. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Kissinger, Galley, and U.S. and French officials discussed U.S.-French nuclear cooperation.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 56, Country Files, Europe, General, French Exchanges (2 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified, “[the]”, and “[be]”, added for clarity. The meeting took place on the patio of Kissinger’s office in the Western White House. On July 27, Kissinger, Schlesinger, Galley, and U.S. and French officials held an exploratory meeting in Washington, where they discussed French requests and future procedures. (Ibid.)

314. Memorandum From A.W. Marshall of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

[Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 679, Country Files, Europe, France Vol. XI (2 of 2). Secret. 1 page not declassified.]

315. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Schlesinger, Hill, Galley, and Kosciusko-Morizet discussed LOC, NATO strategy, and the FRELOC claim.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Kissinger-Scowcroft West Wing Office Files, Box 12, France—Nuclear Matters (1) (8/15/72–12/6/74). Secret; Sensitive. Drafted by Wickham on September 28. The meeting took place in the Secretary of Defense’s office. In telegram 203419 to Paris, October 12, the Department noted “that until the total amount of a settlement is agreed to, it is premature to discuss in any detail arrangements for payment (such as down payment or timing of payments.)” France had originally proposed a one-time lump settlement and so “therefore the principal question at issue is the total amount of that settlement.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 679, Country Files, Europe, France Vol. XI (2 of 2))

316. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Summary: Scowcroft sought Kissinger’s instructions on U.S.-French nuclear cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Kissinger-Scowcroft West Wing Office Files, Box 12, France—Nuclear Matters (1) (8/15/72–12/6/74). Top Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. At the bottom of the memorandum, Scowcroft wrote four options: “Tell Defense to proceed,” “I will talk to Schlesinger,” “Have Foster say we cannot yet proceed,” and “Hold for now.” Kissinger initialed his approval of the option, “I will talk to Schlesinger.” In a September 24 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt asserted that the scope and pace of the proposed six-point cooperation program “appears to fit what you said in San Clemente.” He also recommended, and Kissinger approved, that Schlesinger be told that U.S.-French nuclear cooperation “must be an operation totally controlled as to pace and scope by the President and you” and “that no meeting must go forward at any level without prior notification and approval” from Scowcroft or Sonnenfeldt. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 679, Country Files, Europe, France Vol. XI (2 of 2))

317. Telegram 30644 From the Embassy in France to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy discussed the French view of détente.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 679, Country Files, Europe, France Vol. XI (2 of 2). Confidential; Exdis. Sent for information to the Mission to NATO, London, Bonn, and Moscow. In an October 30 memorandum to Kissinger, Springsteen discussed possible pressure points on France in light of its policies during the October 1973 Middle East war. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, POL FR–US) In telegram 29954 from Paris, November 20, Irwin offered instances of French cooperation with the U.S. during the Middle East war. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy Files, 1973)

318. Telegram 38057 From the Department of State to the Embassy in France

Summary: The Department reported a February 25 conversation between Sonnenfeldt and Kosciuko-Morizet.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 731, Country Files, Europe, United Kingdom, October 73–, Vol. 9c. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Sonnenfeldt; cleared by Luers in S/S; and approved by Sonnenfeldt. A more detailed account of this conversation is in message WH40528/Tohak 16 from Scowcroft to Kissinger, February 26. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 139, France, Chronological File, 8 January–29 May 1974)

319. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Summary: Kissinger discussed the implications of Pompidou’s cabinet shuffle.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 680, Country Files, Europe, France GE SNECMA 1972 (Jan 74–Jul 74) (1 of 1). Confidential. Sent for information. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum on Kissinger’s behalf. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.

320. Memorandum From the Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic and Space Systems, Department of Defense (Walsh) to Secretary of Defense Schlesinger

Summary: Walsh discussed the status of U.S.-French nuclear cooperation and potential U.S. actions in light of France’s posture during the Washington Energy Conference.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0010, France 471.94 6 Mar 74. Top Secret; Sensitive. Prepared by George Barse and Bartholomew. A stamped notation on the memorandum reads, “Sec Def Has Seen.” Wickham wrote at the end of the memorandum, “I opt for (a). Firm, clear message. Also, as the paper indicates, French political authorities do not regard the on-going program of safety and warhead handling as particularly valuable.” Schlesinger did not indicate his preferences with respect to either recommendation. For Kissinger’s March 9, 1973 memorandum to Richardson, see Document 305. In a March 13 memorandum to Schlesinger, Bartholomew discussed the DOD plan “to implement the guidance to hold off new initiatives with France and freeze/slow down current efforts in the missile assistance and nuclear safety programs.” (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0010, France 471.61 13 Mar 74)

321. Telegram 6595 From the Embassy in France to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy discussed Pompidou’s declining health.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 680, Country Files, Europe, France Vol. XII (June 1969–April 1974). Secret; Nodis. Pompidou died on April 2.

322. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Summary: Kissinger briefed Nixon on the new French President, Valery Giscard d’Estaing.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 680, Country Files, Europe, France GE SNECMA 1972 (Jan 74–Jul 74) (1 of 1). Confidential. Sent for information. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum on Kissinger’s behalf. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. In telegram 12295 from Paris, May 21, the Embassy offered its assessment of the likely attitude of the Giscard government toward the U.S. and Europe. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974)

323. Paper Prepared in the Department of State

Summary: The paper discussed current issues in U.S.-French relations.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 3, France (1). Secret. Sent to Scowcroft under cover of an August 21 memorandum from Springsteen that reads, “Attached is the Issues Paper on France for use by the Secretary in his briefing of the President.”

324. Telegram 27772 From the Embassy in France to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported a French offer to pay $100 million in payment of the FRELOC claim.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. In a December 10 memorandum to Ingersoll, Kissinger reported Ford’s acceptance of the French offer. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 3, France (2))

325. Briefing Memorandum From the Counselor (Sonnenfeldt) and the Director of the Policy Planning Staff (Lord) to Secretary of State Kissinger

Summary: Sonnenfeldt and Lord discussed the status of U.S.-French nuclear missile cooperation.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 14, Unfiled material. Top Secret; Nodis; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sonnenfeldt did not initial the memorandum. Bartholomew initialed the memorandum on Lord’s behalf. Drafted by Bartholomew on December 9. Attached but not published is Tab A, a December 6 information memorandum from Walsh to Schlesinger entitled, “Ballistic Missile and Nuclear Safety Programs;” and Tab B, a November 30 paper drafted by Bartholomew entitled, “Missile Cooperation with France.”

326. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Giscard, Ford, Kissinger, and Sauvagnargues discussed defense cooperation, CSCE, the F–104 replacement issue, and monetary issues.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 8. Secret; Sensitive. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The meeting took place in the Hotel Meridien. For the portion of the conversation dealing with monetary issues, see Document 80 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXXI, Foreign Economic Policy, 1973–1976. For a December 15 discussion between Ford and Giscard on energy cooperation, see Document 24 ibid., vol. XXXVII, Energy Crisis, 1974–1980. A memorandum of conversation recording a December 16 discussion between Ford and Giscard on European unity and nuclear proliferation is in Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 8.

327. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Ford and Kissinger discussed U.S.-French nuclear cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 8. Secret; Nodis. In a January 28 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt discussed the status of U.S.-French nuclear cooperation. (National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 14, Unfiled material) On February 8, Kissinger and Schlesinger discussed U.S.-French nuclear cooperation, Kissinger asserting, “We have to dribble this out so we look forthcoming but maintain control and leverage.” Schlesinger agreed to the resumption of cooperation, noting that while warhead discussions raised legal problems, “aside from that we can have a low-key relationship.” At Kissinger’s request, Schlesinger agreed to “space it out at least over a year” and that all French requests should be sent first to the NSC. (Memorandum of conversation, February 8; Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 9)

328. Telegram 2935 From the Embassy in France to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy assessed Giscard’s foreign policy after 8 months.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1975. Confidential; Noforn; Immediate. Sent for information to Ankara, Athens, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, Lisbon, London, Luxembourg, Oslo, Ottawa, Reykjavik, Rome, The Hague, the Mission to NATO, Dublin, the Mission to the EC, the Mission in Geneva, Moscow, the MBFR delegation in Vienna, USCINCEUR, CINCUSAFE, CINCUSAREUR, USNMR SHAPE, and the consulates in Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Nice. In telegram 5534 from Paris, March 4, the Embassy provided a more detailed discussion of Giscard’s changes by geographic region and functional area. (Ibid.)

329. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford

Summary: Kissinger sought Ford’s approval of new guidance for the U.S.-French nuclear cooperation programs.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 60, NSDM 299—Cooperation with France (3). Top Secret; Sensitive. Tab 1 is published as Document 330. Tab 2 is published as Document 331. Ford initialed his approval of Kissinger’s signature of the NSDM and signed the memorandum to Schlesinger.

330. National Security Decision Memorandum 299

Summary: The President directed the expansion of the U.S.-French discussions concerning nuclear safety cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 60, NSDM 299—Cooperation with France (3). Top Secret; Sensitive. Copies were sent to the DCI, the ERDA Administrator, the Director of ACDA, and the Chairman of the JCS.

331. Memorandum From President Ford to Secretary of Defense Schlesinger

Summary: The President authorized a program of U.S. missile assistance to France.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 60, NSDM 299—Cooperation with France (3). Top Secret; Sensitive. A copy was sent to the Secretary of State.

332. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Schlesinger to President Ford

Summary: Schlesinger discussed the expansion of U.S.-French missile cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Kissinger-Scowcroft West Wing Office Files, Box 13, France—Nuclear Matters (4) (6/23/75–8/28/75). Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Schlesinger did not sign the memorandum. Forwarded to Scowcroft under cover of a July 3 memorandum from Wickham. On August 1, Giscard told Ford and Kissinger that the missile cooperation talks were progressing “very slowly” and asked for negative guidance on submarines and MIRVs, as well as help on solid fuel. Kissinger agreed that there was “footdragging.” When Giscard asked about a proposed French purchase of a CDC–7600 computer, Kissinger noted bureaucratic and Congressional opposition; however, both he and Ford suggested that the sale might be possible “in conjunction with a foreign policy success.” (Memorandum of conversation, August 1; ibid., Memoranda of Conversation, Box 14)

333. Memorandum From Jan Lodal of the National Security Council Staff and the Counselor (Sonnenfeldt) to Secretary of State Kissinger

Summary: Lodal and Sonnenfeldt sought Kissinger’s approval of several recommendations concerning U.S.-French nuclear cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 60, NSDM 299—Cooperation with France (2). Top Secret; Sensitive; Completely Outside the System. Sent for action. Tabs A and B are Documents 330 and 331. Tab H is Document 30 in Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, vol. XII, Western Europe. Attached but not published are Tabs C through G and I through J. Kissinger initialed his approval of the first, second, and third recommendations, writing in the margin next to the second recommendation, “See me.” Kissinger initialed his disapproval of the fourth recommendation.