Paris Orders Explanation for Remarks by Galbraith

France today demanded an explanation from the United States over “unacceptable” statements on its internal affairs by outgoing U.S. Ambassador Evan Galbraith.

In a parting interview published today in the conservative newspaper Le Figaro, Galbraith said that the Communist Party should be outlawed and that he is convinced the right-wing opposition in France will win next year’s parliamentary elections.

A statement from the External Relations Ministry said U.S. Charge d’Affaires John Maresca was summoned to explain the ambassador’s remarks.

Galbraith, a 56-year-old banker, left Paris on Tuesday after completing a stormy four-year term as U.S. ambassador to France.

In February, 1984, Galbraith was publicly rebuked by then Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy over disparaging remarks he made about French Transport Minister Charles Fiterman, a Communist, whom he described as “an unfortunate Frenchman who has gone astray.” The U.S. Embassy said later he had been misquoted.

In today’s interview, Galbraith said, “For us, they (the Communists) are sort of outlawed and they should not even be part of the legislative process.”

He was quoted as saying, “Now that the Communists are no longer in the government it is easier to deal with it. After their departure we feel more at ease in talking about France in the United States.”

Asked to give his predictions about next March’s elections, widely seen as a potential defeat for the Socialists, Galbraith said: “It is clear that the opposition will win.”

Galbraith was strongly critical of the Socialists’ economic policies in the months following Francois Mitterrand’s election as France’s first Socialist President, but he later praised the government for its shift to an austerity policy.

“I would like France to give a chance to a policy of free enterprise,” Galbraith said in the interview.

But he insisted he had enjoyed good relations with Socialist officials during his stay in Paris.

“I found them very open. They love dialogue. . . . We have managed to find an understanding on a personal level,” he said.