24. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State0
6058. Deptel 4743.1 While no member Embassy staff has yet talked directly with de Gaulle on this subject from various conversations which we have received second hand, his ideas on NATO piece together as follows:
De Gaulle originally was opposed to conception of NATO but now that it has become a fact of life and France is committed to it, he has grown to accept the Alliance and the shield concept. However, he considers that as France is the geographical heart of the Alliance, has a great deal at stake, is as much if not more menaced than any one of the 15 members, France should play a more active role in this matter. De Gaulle feels that up to now France has left her fate, so to speak, to others by allowing the planning to be made by Americans, the principal command to be in other than French hands, French interests to be subordinated, etc.
General de Gaulle has indicated that he wishes France to assume her responsibilities to a greater extent and that he hopes to see her assigned more responsible commands, especially in the Mediterranean area. For example, making Medoc (now French admiral) directly responsible to SHAPE instead of present chain of command through CINCAFMED might be something he has in mind.
General Norstad is expecting to see de Gaulle shortly and this should be opportunity for learning more of de Gaulle’s views on NATO.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751.00/6–1958. Confidential. Repeated to London.↩
- Document 22.↩