438. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State1

17098. Subject: French Action on the Treaty of Tlatelolco. Ref: State 1331152 (Notal).

1. Summary: French will discuss with OPANAL possible conditions under which GOF might adhere to Protocol I of the Treaty of Tlatelolco. These discussions will probably be held after the June 28 conclusion of the SSOD. End summary.

2. As instructed Reftel Emboff raised Protocol I issue with Jacques Boullet, Acting Chief of PACTSND Disarmament at Foreign Ministry, in absence of more knowledgeable officials who are in New York for SSOD.

3. Boullet noted that in his SSOD speech May 25 President Giscard said that “France hopes . . . to be able to sign Protocol I. With that intention it will open contacts with authorities established by the treaty with a view of examining the conditions under which the signature could come about.” Thus the GOF statement is conditional.

4. Boullet said that as far as he knows no contact has yet been made with OPANAL. He expected that the contacts will not occur until after the conclusion of the SSOD. However GOF officials now in New York may have a better idea on timing.

5. We will continue to discuss this issue. For that purpose we would appreciate receiving a copy of the analysis of the treaty and Protocol I which has been given to French Embassy in Washington.3

Hartman
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780226–0459. Confidential. Sent for information to Mexico City and USUN.
  2. In telegram 133115 to Paris, May 25, the Department of State instructed the Embassy to notify the French Government that the Soviet Union and Argentina intended to ratify Protocol II during the UN’s Special Session on Disarmament. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780221–0015)
  3. Not found.