Archive Report
Archive Report
Unstable France and the Western Alliance
Political instability in France has been a disturbing factor in inter-allied relationships in the past and may be an even more disturbing factor in the future. The reasons for French uncertainties and hesitations—the desire for firm assurances on the one hand while with-holding firm assurances on the other—are little understood in foreign countries.
At the same time, it is clear that the ability of the western powers to maintain a united front in forthcoming negotiations with Soviet Russia and on plans for consolidating the European defense system depends in large measure upon a strong and stable France. If she is to discharge her responsibilities under commitments jointly undertaken with Great Britain and the United States, her heads of state will ...