611.62A/4–853: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn1
4845. Summary of first day Adenauer talks April 7:2
Morning session held White House opened cordially, President welcoming Chancellor and expressing thanks for German offer of complete medical unit for Korea, and Adenauer thanking President for his attitude, both in present office and previously as SHAPE commander. Chancellor assured President Germany stands on side of West and determined press ahead with EDC and EPC and promised Bundesrat would during April ratify treaties.
President and Secretary both developed US views re current Soviet policies, former expressing hope that as result new developments, we may succeed in lessening some of world’s tensions and burdens, and Secretary emphasizing that obvious lesson to be drawn from present is necessity for us to continue strong constructive policies which evidently now inducing latest Soviet moves. Settlements with Soviets best obtained through strength. Adenauer commented in reply Secretary’s specific query that US need not fear Federal Republic will relax (for example, re EDC) even though there may be some Germans with such tendencies.
[Page 787]President having already mentioned Saar as difficulty connected European unity, and Chancellor having indicated that he at full disposal US Government and hopeful issue may be settled, further discussion this problem then occurred in smaller group in President’s office. President agreed with Adenauer that could not accept French linkage between Saar settlement and ratification. At same time, President and Secretary indicated their belief that as matter of practical politics, French ratification unlikely without Saar solution, and hence expressed hope problem might be solved through concessions both sides. Adenauer expressed doubts re this analysis French scene, suggesting French Government’s Saar position is result trying to satisfy Gaullists who it now turns out cannot be won for EDC anyway, and key to French ratification now therefore rather problem of winning some 60 undecided Socialists, which best done if British able associate themselves with EDC. Adenauer commented here that British already asked do more than reasonable, in making firm promise re retention troops on Continent while French now wanting freedom withdraw theirs under certain circumstances. Adenauer welcomed closer British association with EDC.
Chancellor indicated he hopes “accidentally” to meet Mayer but without Bidault May 13 or 14 in order to discuss Saar. Adenauer claimed difficulty lies largely French insistence that solution now be definitive and final rather than leaving this to peace treaty. He rejected former position in usual German terms adding that in his view Saar people do not wish be either French or German. Expressed opinion that agreements he and Schuman already reached went far toward solution.
Secretary opened afternoon Plenary session held State Department by congratulating Adenauer on completion Bundestag vote for treaties expressing hope Bundesrat would do likewise and stating US now encouraged re general ratification prospects. During French talks fortnight ago it became clear Saar constitutes main difficulty. While US did not accept French position that Saar settlement valid condition to their ratification, we consider Saar issue important and grateful hear that Adenauer hopes some solution can be achieved next few months and thus remove last obstacle to great project European army.
In connection general ratification issue Adenauer then referred unexpected and protracted delays in ratification process and hence difficult problem in terms German public opinion and September Bundestag elections, especially if as now appears unavoidable latter are held under occupation status. Adenauer therefore asked whether US would agree as gesture in direction of new relationship that when German ratification completed three High Commissioners be given [Page 788] additional title Ambassador and German Missions in Paris, London and Washington status Embassies based on Austrian precedent.
Secretary replied we could not do this without consulting British and French but US certainly anxious help Germany in any way feasible once German ratification finished and therefore prepared approach British and French. Secretary suggested there should meanwhile be no public discussion proposal, though agreed Adenauer might mention it to British if he wishes.
[Here follows a discussion of current views of the Federal Republic on Soviet policy, the war criminals problem, and the German defense contribution.]
At Secretary’s request Nash (Defense) outlined prospects for end-item aid for German EDC contingents. He recalled statement he and McCloy made last year to Adenauer. Congress had since provided additional funds. Taking into account equipment availabilities and requirements for EDC countries as whole and assuming continuation present world conditions, United States budgetary provision would enable us provide to EDC major equipment required from outside EDC for first six German groupements and twenty-one air squadrons on basis comparable to that used in providing equipment other EDC countries. Nash indicated types equipment included and stated material not restricted to items United States manufacture but included items obtained through off-shore procurement. He said delivery equipment would depend upon determination by SHAPE and United States authorities that units are ready receive equipment, upon conclusion bilateral agreements with EDC and Federal Republic and upon completion necessary arrangements by EDC. United States about present drafts bilaterals to EDC and Federal Republic. It would also be necessary that planning for buildup of German contingents by EDC/IC result in schedules upon which United States programming and delivery plans could be based. United States understands such planning has not progressed beyond preliminary stages. If detailed arrangements for receipt United States equipment are to be completed promptly necessary EDC/IC prepare required plans.
- Drafted by Morris and Reinstein. Cleared in draft by Riddleberger. Repeated to London, Paris, Berlin, and Moscow.↩
- Chancellor Konrad Adenauer visited Washington, Apr. 7–8, 1953 for talks with American officials including President Eisenhower and Secretary Dulles. Further documentation on his visit is presented in volume vii .↩