EUR files, lot 59 D 233, “Letters—France, July–Dec. 1954”
No. 684
The Assistant Secretary of State for
European Affairs (Merchant) to the Ambassador in France (Dillon)1
Dear Doug: I have your letter of December 22 about resuming normal personal relations with General de Gaulle. I agree with you that in view of the gradual change in General de Gaulle’s political position and activities in the last 18 months, there is no reason why you should not re-establish such contacts with him as seem to you appropriate.
According to my recollection, the absence of official relations with de Gaulle from 1947 onward was due entirely to the very violent position he took not only against all the French non-communist parties but even against the parliamentary regime, as such. However now that he has moderated his public attitude in this respect, I see no reason why you should not go ahead. I think that it would be better, as you suggest, not to see him until after the ratification of the Paris accords, at least by the Assembly.
With best wishes,
As ever,