811.4611/5–1945
No. 15
The Acting Secretary of
State to the President
Memorandum for the President
Subject: M. Bidault’s request for a further interview.
Although in his conversation with you on May 181 M. Bidault did not directly bring up the subject of General de Gaulle’s attendance at a proposed meeting of the Big Three, it is extremely likely that he will when he next sees you. Even if he does not do so, I should like to suggest that you seriously consider the possibility of raising the question yourself.
As you know, this Government has in the past been held largely responsible by the French Government and people—and by large sections of the American people—for the absence of General de Gaulle from the Big Three meetings. I feel certain that this Government could take no single step which would be more appreciated by the French nation and which would do more to improve our relations with the French than for you to eliminate from their minds the impression that it is the United States which is preventing their return to a status of full equality with the major Allied powers.
To this end, it occurs to me, that you might reiterate to M. Bidault that there is no definite assurance as yet of a meeting between you, Mr. Churchill and Marshal Stalin, and add that if this question is decided in the affirmative, you will be happy to express to them your entire willingness to have General de Gaulle participate.
- See document No. 14.↩