851.00/12–2947: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
5594. My telegram 5558, December 26. I do not question Robert Schuman’s determination to find a solution for the wage-price problem. From everything I hear he is endeavoring to concentrate all his available forces in that fight. Every time I see him he asks my personal opinion as to the possibilities of success of the efforts of his Minister of Finance. He has asked me also personally if I think Rene Mayer is a competent man for the job and I replied that I have a very high regard for Mayer’s ability.
[Page 824]On the other hand the hostility which both the Communists and Gaullists have evinced towards the Schuman government in the Parliament, coupled with the opposition of special interest groups (particularly deputies representing agrarian constituencies) severely limits the government’s possibilities to stabilize the situation.