Office of the Historian

600.0012/1–854:Telegram

The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State

secret
niact
Paris, January 8, 1954—3 p.m.

2542. Arneson from Robinson.1 Charpentier2 called me in this morning at Bidault’s request to say it has been France’s understanding [Page 1334] it would be kept fully informed on any atomic negotiations with Russia and to raise question as to whether it was actually being so informed. I told Charpentier we had no information in Embassy other than what had appeared in this morning’s press and as far as we knew discussions in Washington with Soviet Ambassador were purely procedural at moment.

FYI. Unfortunately this morning’s press carries article under London dateline referring Anglo-American-Canadian discussion atomic matters previous to Zarubin–Dulles meeting. French extremely sensitive their position this subject. Embassy suggests every reasonable effort be made keep France in picture.

Charpentier suggested sending French Ambassador see Secretary to present démarche. We suggested no action until Embassy could raise question Washington. Charpentier acquiesced holding Bonnet orders until Monday afternoon.3 France willing receive information and participate in planning through any one three channels: (1) through French Ambassador directly in Washington; (2) sending De Rose or Goldschmidt Washington temporary mission; (3) channels already set up through this Embassy Paris.4

Achilles
  1. Howard A. Robinson, First Secretary, U.S. Embassy in France.↩
  2. Pierre Charpentier, Director-General, Political and Economic Affairs, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.↩
  3. Jan. 11.↩
  4. In telegram 2438 priority to Paris dated Jan. 8, Arneson replied as follows: “Secretary saw Bonnet last evening and told him that the talks scheduled in near future with Zarubin would be purely procedural. No substantive talks with Russians contemplated between now and Berlin meeting when Secretary will discuss the matter with Bidault. Arneson seeing Martin, French Embassy, tomorrow to reinforce this line. Urge you dissuade French pressing channels 2 and 3 set forth reference telegram.” (600.0012/1–854)↩