“De Gaulle To Seek Equality

Press, Volume C, Issue 29527, 31 May 1961, Page 15

“De Gaulle To Seek Equality

(N'Z. Press Association—Copyright) PARIS, Muy 30. President de Gnulle is expected to press once again for equality with Britain and the United States in matters of western strategy and policy during his talks with President Kennedy, which will start in Paris tomorrow, the British United Press reported.

French officials said that President de Gaulle would tell President Kennedy that: France cannot be bound to support British-American decisions unless she has been previously advised on British - American plans and given an opportunity to approve of them. Western solidarity in dealing with Russia requires that France be trusted with more complete information as to what the United States and Britain are doing in spheres where Russian reaction may be provoked. French officials acknowledged that since President Kennedy took office, consultation between the United States. Britain and France had been improved considerably. The United States has so far resisted President de Gaulle's idea for three-Power equality in formulating policy on the grounds that this would be resented by other N.A.T.O. members. The Associated Press said the French Government had ordered tight security precautions from the rooftops to the sewers of Paris to ensure the safety of the President and Mrs Kennedy. About 10.000 policemen, firemen and others will be deployed about Paris each day of the three-day visit. In Vienna, Austrian sources last night reported that Mr Khrushchev would arrive in Vienna almost a full day ahead of President Kennedy. The latest information said Mr Khrushchev would arrive by train at 11 a.m. GMT. on Friday.

President Kennedy is scheduled to fly in at 9.40 a.m. G.M.T. on Saturday. Mr Khrushchev’s original arrival time had been 4 p m. on Friday. The informants said they had no information why he advanced hi* arrival time.