246. Telegram From the Department of State to Secretary of State Rusk, at Athens0
Tosec 95. For Secretary from Acting Secretary. President mentioned to me this past week his concern re the increasing isolation of de Gaulle and his wish to find some mechanism for bringing France back into the community of western nations. In view this opinion, I am concerned as to his possible reaction to your Secto 241 when he returns from Palm [Page 692] Beach Monday. The reported conversation particularly with Schroeder will presumably be communicated to De Gaulle through German transmission route and might be interpreted by the General as disclosing a United States Government policy of systematic opposition to him and his govt.
I am fully sympathetic with your impatience with Gaullist negativism. [2 lines of source text not declassified] Nevertheless I think it important we appear to aim our attacks at specific policies of Gaullist govt without giving impression we are opposed to whole spectrum of Gaullist policy.
This is a personal cautionary note I am expressing only to you. My apprehensions re the President’s possible reaction may be unfounded. I recognize that Secto 24 was based on an uncleared MemCon. It may well have stated your position too bluntly and with exaggerated emphasis, or there may be other surrounding circumstances it would be useful for me to know in case President raises question. As against that possibility you might if you think it desirable send me before Monday suggestions as to line I should take.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.5611/5–562. Secret; Priority; Eyes Only; No Distribution. Drafted and initialed by Ball.↩
- Document 245.↩