U.S.-French Relations Cool Again

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30745, 8 May 1965, Page 15

U.S.-French Relations Cool Again

V Z Press Assn —Copyright) WASHINGTON, May 7.

American - French relations worsened yesterday when President de Gaulle opposed American action in the Dominican Republic, according to Associated Press.

President de Gaulle’s stand was seen in Washington as an attempt to expand French influence in Latin America.

Some authorities also regarded it as a deliberate antiAmerican act designed to show French independence.

President de Gaulle stated its views at a meeting of the i French Council of Ministers. Reuter reported. The Secretary of State attached to the Prime Minister. Mr Pierre Dumas, told a 'news conference: "General de Gaulle, during the Council of Ministers, disapproved of the intervention

of foreign troops in the Dominican Republic and hoped they would be withdrawn.” May Recognise Mr Dumas also said France was examining the possibility of recognising the government of Colonel Francisco Caamano Dena, leader of the Dominican rebel forces, who has been elected provisional President.

The French Foreign Minister. Mr Maurice Couve de Murville. told the Council of Ministers the French Ambassador in Santo Domingo had been in contact with Colonel Caamano’s representatives.

S.E.A.T.O. View Colonel Caamano seemed to have the support of the Dominican Parliament. Mr Couve de Murville said. He also said the final S.E.AT.O communique, for which France tow had no responsibility whatever, "adopted the viewpoint of the United States on Vietnam, and the point of view of Britain on Malaysia."

This is regarded as the first official hint that France may also now come out in open criticism of Britain’s military presence in Malaysia.