FRENCH CABINET CRISIS IN SIXTH DAY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000300240010-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 25, 1998
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: February 9, 1955
• Content Type: BRIEF

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FRENCH CABINET CRISIS IN SIXTH DAY
1. Antoine Pinay (Independent) has thrown in
sponge. Won't present cabinet, because of
announced opposition of MRP executive.
A. Popular Republicans are key party in
Assembly: Executive Committee, in
9 Feb meeting, agreed (27 to 23) not
to participate in Pinay Government.
B. Majority of MRP rank-and-file approve
this stand.
II. These men probably next in line as
Premier-Designate:
A. First, Pierre Pflimlin (MRP).
1. Would have about same conservative
support as Pinay.
2. Chances depend on Socialist support
or, at least, neutrality, as well
as willingness of Conservatives to
forgive MRP for not backing Pinay.
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Christian Pinea.u.
1. He toying with idea. of heading
left-center coalition (ba,sed on
Socialists, MRP and Radicals).
C. Third, Edgar Fa.ure (Radical Socialist).
1. Would have good chance of MRP sup-
port, as well as aid from prior
Mendes-France coalition.
III. Any of these candidates would:
IV.
A. Push Paris Accords in Council of
Republic. R. Schuman (ex-Premier,
strong European integrationist) would
be most likely Foreign Minister.
B. Pursue Tunisian negotiations begun by
Mendes-France.
C. Be inclined to work with Diem regime
in South Vietnam. However, would not
immediately repudiate Sa.inteny mission.
Issues before next government include:
A. North African problems--where reaction
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1. Moroccan disorders, which in-
creased during pre-fall debate,
probably will continue throughout
crisis,
2. Tunisians keenly disappointed,
although have taken hope from
Pinay's promise that negotiations
will resume.
3. Algerian "colons" will pressure
any new government to drop recently
announced reforms.
B. Approval of Paris Accords--this still
expected in Council of Republic:
1. Foreign Ministry spokesman expects
any foreseeable candidate for
premiership to push Accords in
Council.
2. However, 11 March Council deadline
could be postponed, action delayed.
3. Delay would enhance danger of re-
turn of bills to Assembly. However,
MRP (which opposed in Dec '54 vote)
-ABO embly.
WO -g_
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