740.00119 Council/5–2748: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
2838. Deptel 1812, May 26.1 The French Government is more unhappy than anyone over the prospect of an Assembly debate on the German program but considers in view of the tremendous importance French public and political parties attach to the German question that there is no possible way for the government to escape debate after the [Page 296] conclusion of any agreement reached in London. Bidault expects violent opposition from the Communists, at least from a number of Gaullist deputies and some independents and rightists but is even more concerned over possibility of Socialist opposition.
It is now envisaged that debate would occur about a week after agreement is reached in London. Its outcome would appear to depend to a very considerable extent on the possibilities for presentation of the German program in a favorable light which in turn would depend to a great extent on the nature of the communiqué issued at the termination of the London meeting. If debate terminates favorably for the government, implementation of the program would presumably proceed as scheduled, barring unpredictable international or internal developments. It is a foregone conclusion, however, that regardless of outcome of debate both Communists and Gaullists will thereafter greatly step up the rhythm of their attacks against the government’s German policy and in particular will accuse it of abandoning France’s minimum security requirements, et cetera.
If the debate should terminate in a vote against the German program adopted at London, the government would of course not only be unable to implement such a program but its very existence would be placed in serious jeopardy.
Sent Department 2838; repeated London 444; Berlin 257.