108. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State0
4601. Couve in unusually loquacious mood this morning described in considerable detail Khrushchev conversations at Rambouillet.
1. Germany. Khrushchev on his own initiative raised again the German question. In much the same fashion as before he said he thought that a peace treaty should be signed with both Germanies leaving it then to them to work out their salvation. Failing this, he would sign a treaty with East Germany. De Gaulle reiterated that he could not prevent the Soviets signing a treaty with East Germany but he could see no good reason for it and once again stated that France would not recognize East Germany. He, De Gaulle, felt that there was no reason why the situation should not remain in its status quo. Khrushchev placed somewhat more weight on Berlin than in his previous conversations. De Gaulle again stressed his belief that for a proper balance in Europe Germany must be with the West.
[Page 265][Here follow paragraphs 2–9 in which Houghton reported Couve de Murville’s summary of the discussion on disarmament, Africa, China, aid to less developed countries, non-interference in internal affairs of other states, trade, the communiqué (for text, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1960, pages 396–398), and De Gaulle’s opinion of Khrushchev.]
10. Conclusion. In conclusion Couve said that both sides agreed they want a detente. The difference being the French want a détente leaving the German situation in status quo whereas the Russians want a détente based on a settlement of the German question. Comment: After long discussions it would appear fundamental positions of both parties remain unchanged.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751.13/4–460. Secret. Repeated to London, Bonn, and Moscow.↩