Office of the Historian

243. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France0

Washington, March 14, 1962, 9:25 p.m.

4920. Eyes only from Acting Secretary for Ambassador. Our relations with the French on nuclear questions are obviously at a very low ebb. This has been made clear by your recent conversations with Debre and others, and by Debre’s remarks to the American correspondents. The bitterness shown by the French on this subject makes it plain that very little can be gained by discussing the subject further with the French at this time.

The President believes therefore that it would be best for the present to avoid being drawn into further discussion of nuclear questions with French officials which could only further exacerbate our bilateral relations generally.

Ball
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 700.5612/3–1462. Secret. Drafted by Fessenden; cleared by Tyler, Owen, Beigel, and Bundy (in substance); and approved and signed by Ball.↩