219. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State0
2610. Eyes only Secretary. Finletter and I lunched with Couve de Murville, Lucet, and Seydoux at Couve’s invitation today to discuss French attitude and probable next moves on NATO planning.
The lunch was against the background reported in previous cables from Finletter of apparent French concern that France might find herself isolated in NATO discussions this topic and even possibility that France might wish to block whole exercise.
Lunch successfully dispelled any such notions. Finletter emphasized that U.S. did not wish in any way to see France isolated; but on contrary to find formula which would permit French participation.
Couve asked what was the purpose of this exercise, holding forth at great length the French view that nothing would be changed by its results except that there might be some disagreeable friction within Alliance. Finletter said he saw considerable value in the possibility that exercise would afford for communication and exchange of views on subjects concerning which there had been considerable lack of understanding. He emphasized, with my support, that while it would be hoped that the discussions taking place in NFP would produce greater understanding of all factors, including strategy, nevertheless he agreed with Couve de Murville that political consequences of this most important element, and therefore discussion on strategy undesirable. Should be handled with great care in order to avoid confrontation.
Comment: It appears to me that purpose of lunch was to endeavor to sound out in private, amicable conversation difficulties which could have produced friction in NATO. I ventured purely personal tentative suggestion that at some time preceding NATO Ministerial Meeting it might be useful for FonMins and DefSecs of four principal allies to have a quiet lunch or dinner to discuss some larger aspects of this basic problem without any attempt at conclusions or decisions. This suggestion, although recognized as completely informal and personal, seemed to be well received by Couve.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, Def 4 NATO. Secret.↩