740.5/5–1854
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1
4131. Eyes only Ambassador. Following is text draft note to Laniel referred to in immediately preceding telegram:2
“Excellency: I have the honor to refer to conversations which we have had regarding the intentions of the French Government with reference to the ratification of the Paris Treaty, establishing a European Defense Community, and the Bonn Treaty, otherwise known as the contractual agreements with Germany. These treaties were signed on May 26, 1952 by the duly authorized representatives of the governments concerned. Shortly thereafter, the Bonn Treaty was ratified by the US Senate in accordance with our constitutional processes. The Governments of the UK and the Federal Republic likewise promptly ratified the Treaty in accordance with their own constitutional processes. Of the four parties signatory to the Treaty, only France has failed to act in similar fashion. Moreover, as your Excellency is aware, four of the six members of the proposed European Defense Community have now completed action on the Paris Treaty.
After such long delay, I therefore find it necessary to ask on behalf of my Government a formal expression of the intentions of your Government with respect to the Bonn and Paris agreements.
[Page 957]My Government has a particular interest in these questions at this time not only because of its concern regarding its present overall policies with regard to Europe and the possible necessity to bring about some alteration in those policies, but also because of the imminent consideration by the US Congress of the Mutual Security Program for the fiscal year 1955. As you know, the status of the European Defense Community will be a question of special concern during these debates, and will doubtless play a major role in the outcome thereof.
With regard to the Bonn Treaty, it seems to me unwise and indeed objectionable further to deprive the Federal Republic of the rights, privileges and obligations provided for in that Treaty. I therefore find it necessary to inform you that unless the Bonn and Paris treaties are shortly brought into force, my Government will consider it necessary, in consultation with the British Government, to consider with the Government of the Federal Republic, what practical step or steps can be taken to grant the Federal Republic a position at least equivalent to that provided for in the Bonn Treaty.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”