751.5 MSP/7–2154: Telegram
No. 650
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
France1
top secret
Washington, July 23, 1954—4:38
p.m.
298. Limit distribution. Pass USRO and Reinhardt.
- 1.
- Before taking action on your recommendation Embtel 2752 would be helpful have your views several aspects proposal not clear to us.
- 2.
- Assume you agree that fact of issuance instructions not sign OSP contracts in France almost certain leak to industrials and government. We uncertain whether you concerned only to prevent encouraging opposition by reward of contract while anti-EDC campaign at critical stage or whether you count on development suspicion that US in fact is deliberately withholding contracts. Manner in which instruction handled will depend upon effect desired; e.g. order to stop versus slowdown of current negotiations.
- 3.
- We inclined believe risk that such suspicions will develop worth taking and maximum effect achieved if such worry does develop, with of course no confirmation on US side that moratorium declared.
- 4.
- Assume you agree Department should request Defense not divert to other countries OSP orders which otherwise would go to France, pending outcome EDC debate.
- 5.
- Have not yet obtained Voorhees view but preliminary discussions indicate Defense and FOA sympathetic your proposal.
Dulles