740.00/5–2653: Telegram
The United States Observer to the Interim Committee of the European Defense Community (Bruce) to the Department of State
Coled 87. Lunched with Guy Mollet today. He considers his position as party leader stronger than at any time in the past. Believes that Reynaud will obtain necessary votes to become Prime Minister. Thinks [Page 792] Reynaud’s domestic policies would be bad from viewpoint Leftist parties but that his foreign policy would be satisfactory.
As to EDC, French Parliament will not act before autumn, because of Saar question, since Adenauer does not wish seriously to consider this matter until after German elections.
When European army comes up for vote, Mollet feels he will be faced with a cruel dilemma. Since Gaullists will be against government on this issue, latter will have to turn to party which presumably will not be represented in Cabinet, namely Socialists, to obtain necessary votes for ratification. If Socialists vote for ratification, they will be accused by Communists of supporting government which is reactionary in domestic field. As situation now appears to Mollet, however, he is willing to support European Defense Community even under such circumstances provided that:(1) Association of UK with EDC satisfactory to him (he has not seen present proposals which will be submitted to interim EDC committee on Friday this week and which I believe will be satisfactory to him); and (2) at some appropriate time President Eisenhower make statement that American commitment as member NATO indefinite in duration (Mollet recognizes present impracticability of seeking Senate approval extension NATO commitment to 50 years and would be satisfied with formula as to indefiniteness of commitment suggested in Department’s cables on this subject.)
Mollet says he is personally strongly in favor of EDC and EPC provided powerful democratic controls exist on political side, but that he can enter into no pledge at this time as to final attitude, which will be influenced by future developments.