Salesman's Call

The arrival in Washington of the Premier of France stirred up more than ordinary interest on the part of the public and the public's servants. As he made his official rounds last week, Pierre Mendes-France was greeted everywhere by swarms of curious, often applauding Washingtonians, eager for a glimpse or a snapshot of the most-discussed, most controversial Frenchman since General Charles de Gaulle. Mendes-France had been characterized variously as a fickle Gallic opportunist and as a pin-striped Savonarola who preached hard truths. Preparing to return to France this week, the brisk little Premier had not settled that argument. Administration officials were impressed--but they still had reservations about Pierre Mendes-France.

Before he arrived, rumors reached Washington that Mendes-France was coming as a sort of Peking Tom, that he would propose U.S. recognition of Red China in exchange for a Red Chinese guarantee to restrain the Viet Minh in tottering Indo-China. In the midst of the rumors. Senator William Knowland interrupted the McCarthy censure debate for a speech on foreign policy (see above). But as matters turned out, there was no cause for alarm: Mendes and Dulles quickly agreed that recognition of Red China was not one of the questions they would discuss.

The inscrutable Premier and his chic wife swam easily through the usual VIP routine of ceremonials, speeches and official wining and dining. At the White House Mendes discussed the Saar agreement with President Eisenhower for nearly an hour, then topped off a steak luncheon with a big glass of milk. At the Senate he was greeted warmly, and at the statue of La Fayette, opposite the White House, he placed a wreath of white chrysanthemums.

While the Premier bustled about Washington, Mme. Mendes-France was busy fulfilling her own social obligations, including tea with Mrs. Eisenhower and a luncheon with Mrs. Dulles. Wherever she went, the Egyptian-born Lily Mendes-France was an instant hit--for her piquant beauty, her gentle good humor, and her dazzling wardrobe of Parisian gowns.

No Flirtation. Mendes-France's most effective public appearance was at a National Press Club luncheon, where he explained France's problems and position in lucid and illuminating fashion. He promised early French ratification of the Paris agreements for a united defense of free Europe, scorned the Soviet proposal for a Pan-European conference and dispelled doubts that he might be thinking of a Franco-Russian flirtation. "As Prime Minister of France," he said, "I am convinced that our number one task is to fight against the deceptive attractions of Communism with the positive weapons of truth, justice and progress."

In the question period that followed his speech. Mendes-France answered the reporters' queries expertly. The final question was a stinger--"Do you think Mr. Dulles would be happier if you were ousted as Premier?"--and Mendes read it with a faint smile. "My suggestion to the author of this very interesting question," he said, "is: the best way to know the answer is to ask Mr. Dulles."

The reply drew a hearty laugh from the press, and Mendes waited for silence, his smile growing broader. ". . . And so I will do this afternoon," he added. The laughter rose again, louder. "And," said Mendes-France finally, "I don't venture to prophesy, but I am quite sure he will say no." That brought down the house.

Envelopes & Doodles. The formal discussions were held in the State Department's Map Room, where the Premier sat with a pile of red envelopes, containing briefing notes, in front of him on the table. Dulles sat opposite, with only a clean scratchpad at his place. Throughout the discussions Mendes listened with wrenlike intensity, speaking almost entirely in English (more than once he barked out a French phrase to Ambassador Henri Bonnet, who supplied the English for him). Dulles often doodled or whittled on a pencil as the conversations lengthened.

In four days the two statesmen reached agreement on most major points, ended the conferences with mutual expressions of satisfaction and a joint rejection of Russia's proposed conference. On a few items there was no accord: Dulles, for example, firmly refused to commit U.S. military equipment for European defense to an international arms control agency; for his part, Mendes could not promise that U.S. materiel would not be used in putting down the North African violence. One major item--U.S. aid for South Viet Nam--was postponed until after General Lawton Collins, the special U.S. ambassador, has reported from Saigon.

As he left Washington, Mendes had proved again that he is an adroit political salesman. Just as obscure as ever was the nature of his product--and whether he had one.

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