189. Telegram From the Delegation at the Summit Conference to the Department of State0
Secto 37. One of most noticeable phenomena during summit developments of past days has been extremely strong support given to US positions by all members French Delegation from General de Gaulle down. De Gaulle’s firm attitude towards Soviet Union has of course long been abundantly clear, and this is reflected not only throughout French Government but in press and public opinion as well. While De Gaulle has served as “impartial chairman” of meeting, he has made it obvious throughout, through his actions and through his entourage that he has favored policy firm resistance to Soviet aggression be it at the conference table or in Berlin or elsewhere.
[Page 498]As result role De Gaulle has played during these days, it is widely thought here that France’s international prestige has not been higher in a long time. Embassy will of course be reporting more fully and precisely on results of summit breakdown in France, but delegation did wish to inform Department of firm and strong part which De Gaulle played throughout.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–PA/5–1860. Secret. Received May 19 at 9:19 a.m.↩