Memorandum of Conversation
May 12, 1951
Participants: Ambassador Bonnet, French Embassy Secretary Acheson Willard L. Thorp
Copies to: S WE RA-Edwin Martin EDT-Mr. Leddy
Ambassador Bonnet came in at his request to discuss the problem of disclosure concerning the Cocom and the International lists. He said that his Government was very much disturbed for two reasons. In the first place, they were already in an election period, the situation with respect to trade had never been disclosed to the French people, and it was felt that it might become a disturbing factor in connection with the election. In the second place, there might be some impact on the Four Power discussions, and they felt that it was important not to add sources of conflict. Therefore, the French Government hoped that this material might be used privately and not become a matter of formal Government public statement.
The Secretary and Mr. Thorp explained the situation, made no effort to discount the points made by the Ambassador, but pointed out the dilemma which might require a choice between publication or the Amendment.
The Ambassador was inclined to feel that in view of French cooperation with respect to the two international lists, the problem was more significant for other countries, and seemed to be surprised that the Amendment as drafted would probably extend far beyond the two international lists. The Ambassador inquired whether, if it were necessary for there to be publication, it could not be in general terms such as that there had been most effective cooperation and that the flow of strategic materials had been greatly restricted.
Mr. Thorp said that the problem here was one which required very specific factual information, and that the reason for the disclosure was to substitute a clear demonstration of activity for such general statements. He also pointed out that the whole operation was no longer a secret in fact, but the Ambassador said he felt certain that it was not known about in France.
(2)
The Secretary finally summarized the situation as follows: The United States has asked the French Government if it has objections. The French Government has said that it does have objections, but that it would be willing to have the information given out privately. The United States Government has stated that it appreciates the French difficulty, as that it would hope that if it becomes apparent that publication is necessary in order to permit continuance of economic aid, that the French Government would not maintain its objections.
E:WLThorp:ime