FRENCH ASSEMBLY AND GOVERNMENT PROSPECTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200330013-1
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 8, 1998
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: June 9, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

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NSC BRIEFING 9 June 1954
FRENCH ASSEMBLY AND GOVERNMENT PROSPECTS
I. National Assembly now in midst of Indo-
china debate:
A. Bidault's report on Geneva due
Wednesday 9 June.
B. Hostile interpellations on Indo-
china policy by Socialists,
Gaullists may follow.
C. Government may well not complete re-
ply by 10 June.
D. Laniel demand for confidence vote
is possible thereafter.
E. However, required 24-hour delay
would postpone actual vote until
Friday, 11 June at earliest: vote
more likely delayed until next
week.
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i
I.I. Pre-debate outlook most crucial in
Approved
life Fourth Republic.
A. Laniel opposition in Assembly
stiffer.
1. Increasing impatience over
lack progress at Geneva:
2. Anti-EDC forces (center, right)
hope use Indochina to over-
throw government because fear
two pro-EDC developments.
3. Laniel's brother, Rene (a
senator) reported involved
"questionable" financial
deals--has hurt Premier's
prestige.
B. Despite this Laniel may be able
to hold on:
1. '7ill point to positive steps
taken in Indochina, dispatch
of top general, Ely.
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2. Coalition parties unwilling
accept onus for crisis while
Geneva still offers hope.
3. Opposition still unable to
agree on a successor to Laniel.
C. New factor, however, is politicians'
view that new elections good idea.
1. Forming
present
as long
new government in
Assembly-might take
as new elections: they
remember 5-week crisis spring
1953. Only takes 6-7 weeks
form new Assembly.
2. Success of pro-EDC candidates
in recent by-elections in-
dicates that new Assembly
would be more pro-EDC.
3. Since less than 18 months from
last cabinet downfall by
majority vote, constitution now
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permits dissolution of Assembly
if cabinet overthrown by 314.
In event such vote, Premier
must have cabinet approval
Y)d char &( . i s~~,,.bly E
for Assembly dissolution and
call for new election.
Constitution requires President
then to decree dissolution.
~
LQ
F,rnc Qta,Of Oro ro cAOA esr
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EDC# AS EXPECTED COMMITTEE OF
FRENCH ASSEMBLY
VOTED TO REPORT EDC UNFAVORABLY
24-18
Comment: This done despite personal appeal
of BIDAULT
Disregarding ovdrwhelming pro- EDC
vote of Socialist Convention,
6 Socialists under Moch voted
against and only 3 for.
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The name of the President of the French
Assembly is ANDRE LE TROQUER. He is a
Socialist. Mildly pro EDC. Vigorous anti-
Communistic. Active in resistance during
World War II. Has been in politics since 1919.
Defended LEON BLUM at trial at Riom under
Vichy government. Has held various government
posts during World War II. Was Vice-President
of Assembly from 1946 to 1953.
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