740.5/7–2050: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
385. Embtels 361, 3401 and previous. I had talk with Alphand.2 Suddenness of his appointment has not given him time to set his own [Page 135] ideas in order and I gathered he would not arrive in London with any precise instructions from his government. Unless some further crystallization takes place tomorrow, I believe French will play early part of meeting by ear. Department will recall that Moch3 may make brief visit.
Alphand reflected tripartite theme which continues to run strongly here. He mentioned on personal and tentative basis (and I have heard the same idea advanced by Monnet) possibility of establishing in Washington “where the real decisions will be taken” permanent group of three (US–UK–France) high civilians, a sort of inner council which would parallel standing group on civilian level. Not clear where this would leave Council of Deputies.
Without wishing to give more emphasis than entitled to these undigested ideas, I think it would be well if Spofford, before his departure (and Douglas and I) were furnished for possible use Department’s views on vesting of increasing responsibility in three powers as evidenced by present trend of French thinking.
Sent Department 385, repeated info London 107.
- Telegrams 361 and 340 of July 19, neither printed, covered various aspects of the approaching first meeting of the NAT Council Deputies (740.5/7–1950, 330/7–1950).↩
- Hervé Alphand, newly appointed French Deputy Representative to the North Atlantic Council and French Ambassador to the OEEC.↩
- Jules Moch, newly appointed French Minister of National Defense.↩