De Gaulle Will Not Come To London
(Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 3. Anglo-French relations will be discussed in London when the French Foreign Minister (M. Bidault) arrives here a few days before the foreign ministers’ conference, which begins on September 10. The British Government is anxious to mend the relationship between the two countries and Mr Bevin is reported to have been giving considerable attention to the question, also to the delicate matter of the Levant. The French socialist and radical parties have called for closer AngloFrench relations, and it is stated that many Frenchmen, including such eminent figures as M. Herriot, feel that important as are friendly relations with Russia and America, there is a far greater identity of outlook and interest between France and Great Britain, and that an early conclusion of a Franco-British treaty is a matter of urgency for both countries. It is noted in London, however,
that while General de Gaulle makes trips to Moscow and Washington, he cannot be induced to come to London. It is, says “The Economist,’’ a disappointing policy for France’s friend and neighbour. It adds that many of the problems which General de Gaulle broached in Washington are of much greater interest to Britain than to the United States.
Both Need Aid Both countries need American aid, but both will be hampered by shortage of dollars and could give each other considerable assistance in surmounting it. ‘•The Economist” believes, however, that closer Anglo-French relations will not be easy so long as General de Gaulle remains at the head of French Affairs. Reports indicate that the political results of General de Gaulle’s visit to Washington have deeply disappointed his supporters, notwithstanding the welcome economic aid promised by the United States. It is commented by “The Observer's” diplomatic conrespondent that the failure of General de Gaulle’s bid for American support in political and diplomatic matters, following the obvious bankruptcy of his earlier policy towards Russia, raise's again the delicate question of the French attitude towards Britain. General de Gaulle hoped for a political concession from America which would help to restore France to her former position among the Great Powers. Question Of Ruhr These included a larger zone of occupation allotted to France, and greater consideration of French claims for reparations from Germany, an assurance that France would be treated as a full equal by America, Britain and Russia in their councils, American support for the French demand that the Ruhr should be placed under permanent control of the United Nations, and x-ecognition of French control over Indo-China. The United States Govei’nment made it clear that it was willing, indeed anxious, to help generously in the task of Eui’ope’s national x-ehabilita-tion, but unwilling to go very far to meet General de Gaulle’s political aims.
President Truman considered the Potsdam decisions sacrosanct and binding, and it was pointed out that on the demand for internationalisation of Hie Ruhr that Britain, in particular, would first have to be consulted. The Paris correspondent of the “Sunday Times” says the reserve shown in regard to internationalisation does not necessarily exclude combined control by those countries directly interested in Security on the Rhine, such as Britain, France, Belgium and Holland. May Satisfy Aims. There is reason, to believe that Mr Bevin is not averse to such a compromise solution which might go far enough to satisfy French aims in general, and perhaps even General de Gaulle’s aims in particular. He adds that should British openmindedness for such a compromise manifest itself during the coming negotiations for an Anglo-French alliance, and should the French have drawn the right conclusions after the Washington conversations, those optimists who expect a treaty to be made before the British Parliament meets and before the French elections, may not be disappointed. The election campaign in France is reported to be well under way, with General de Gaulle intending to take a very active part.
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Northern Advocate, 4 September 1945, Page 3
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652De Gaulle Will Not Come To London Northern Advocate, 4 September 1945, Page 3
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