Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western Europe and Canada, Volume VI, Part 2

751.5 MSP/8–2852: Telegram

No. 538
The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Paris, August 28, 1952—7 p.m.

1274. Cotel. Joint Emb MSA Mission msg.

1. Had very useful informal discussion at lunch today given by Draper for Pleven. Others present were Alphand, Achilles, Merchant and Labouisse.

2. Pleven outlined difficulties he had had in developing French 52 mil budget in light many demands on French overall budget, such as Indochina operations, reconstruction of severe damages of last war, and need for all mil production in France. Pointed out is having serious problem developing 53 budget and emphasized important relationship to this work of US plans for OSP.

3. He stressed importance of knowing as soon as possible range of items we are prepared to purchase as well as those we will definitely rule out. Only in this way can he build realistic mil budget and mil program. He also expressed disappointment that nothing tangible had been done to follow up on procurement MD–452 and ammo which we had stated a willingness to procure (subj of course to caveats as expressed on our ltr to Pleven of July 12—see Embtel 303 July 12¹).

4. During course of mtg, we pointed out to Pleven various difficulties which confronted us in this field, but stated wld endeavor move quickly. We earnestly hope that everything possible will be done in Wash to expedite action in this regard. Specifically, we urge fol:

(a) Technical team be dispatched promptly to review situation with respect to MD–452 aircraft. Believe this team shld include man with broad experience in aviation industry. (Pleven said wld welcome such team and anything US cld do to assist rapid substitution of Mark IV for Mark II).

(b) Expedite procurement ammo by appropriate instructions to procurement officers. (Pleven mentioned great need for production land mines, and hope this can be considered.)

(c) Expedite action on spare parts procurement. (In this connection, we are informed by French that French Ford Co and others ready and willing bid.)

(d) Expedite action in determining needs in electronics field and in starting procurement.

(e) Prompt decision on points raised in Tomus 101² and Embtel 941.³

5. During meeting, we pointed out unfortunate repercussions which flowed from recent publicity over OSP. Pleven seems to have been particularly nettled by A 1 friendly art in Wash Post, and attributed largely to that art his statements to press. He has calmed down and gives impression of desire to work out problems in amicable manner. If we can move forward on matters mentioned para 4 above, believe will do much to restore relations and to facilitate achievement many of our common and natl objectives.

6. Separate tel covers Pleven’s views re airbase agmt.⁴

Achilles

1. Document 526.
2. See footnote 6, Document 535.
3. Summarized in the memorandum by Byington, supra.
4. This is a reference to telegram 1266 from Paris, Aug. 28. (711.56351/8–2852) Documentation concerning the negotiations over the airbase agreement with France is in file 711.56351.