107. Editorial Note
The second stage of the tripartite talks, held April 16–21 at Washington, focused on Africa. Acting Secretary of State Herter summarized the Department of State’s view of these discussions among Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Murphy; British Ambassador Caccia; and Louis Joxe, Secretary General of the French Foreign Ministry; and military representatives in telegram 4052 to Paris, April 23:
“Both the U.S. and U.K. tried to be responsive during talks, knowing Joxe’s eagerness to take back to Paris as favorable report as possible on US/UK reactions to both French expositions, political/economic policies and to French strategic suggestions. Joxe’s preoccupation appeared be desire report enough progress so as to head off further negative actions by de Gaulle and perhaps receive high-level agreement go ahead with certain projects presently stalled because of de Gaulle dissatisfaction with course of talks thus far. Joxe informed Department he believes talks off to ‘auspicious’ start with more to be done and that US had been responsive. He plans to so inform de Gaulle.” (Department of State, Central Files, 770.00/4–2359)
For documentation on the five sessions and on the abortive plans for tripartite military talks on Africa, which grew out of these discussions, see volume XIV, pages 44 ff. Although the United States advised the French in June 1959 of its willingness to participate in exploratory military talks on Africa, the French did not respond to this offer.