740.5/6–1854: Telegram
The United States Observer to the Interim Committee of the European Defense Community (Bruce) to the Department of State 1
priority
Coled 281. Department limit distribution. Attention Secretary.
De Staercke, Rothschild, Tomlinson and myself had dinner with Spaak last night in Brussels.
Spaak reserved his greatest emphasis for two observations.
- a.
- He is gravely concerned over prevalent rumors, mostly French inspired, that the UK especially, but also the US, are now seeking alternatives to EDC treaty as drafted. If French Government makes any suggestion for renegotiation before it has voted on present text, he will refuse to enter into such negotiations, and thinks he can answer for same attitude by other Benelux countries. Spaak hopes US and UK at Washington meeting will take strong stand against consideration any alternatives or modifications whatever unless and until French Parliament has previously voted against present text. He felt it would be important to curb current intrigues EDC opponents by having Eisenhower-Churchill communiqué evidence US–UK solidarity this regard. Spaak said that if France rejects EDC treaty and proposes new negotiations, Benelux countries and FedRep should reply that they will consider only one alternative and that is Federal Republic with full membership in NATO without discrimination.
- b.
- Spaak says newspaper comment in France, Belgium, and Holland shows that the mere notice of US–UK bilateral meeting has had psychological consequences of a most useful and profound nature on French and other continental opinion in indicating possibility that Western policy will not necessarily continue to be enfeebled or suspended because of the absence of political stability in France. Spaak hopes US and UK will not take any action calculated to diminish existing French uneasiness over US–UK meeting in which there is no French participation. He expressed the further hope that no indication be given to the French in the near future that they would be readmitted to a three-power relationship unless their government and Parliament had previously demonstrated ability to assume their responsibilities. He says feeling on this subject in Holland and Belgium is vehement, and there would be bitter disappointment if US were to be apologetic to French for holding meeting without them or were to promise later high level bilateral conversations with them similar to US–UK talks.
Spaak made following additional points.
- 1.
- Until French Government is constituted no use calling meeting of Benelux countries and FedRep under article 132 with US and UK invited as observers. Actions to be taken such meeting cannot be determined until we know composition such government and its European policy. Therefore improbable his opinion Secretary would be invited to attend before middle July.
- 2.
- Meanwhile he hopes protocols procedure will be agreed. He will press for meeting of Foreign Ministers to sign protocols as soon as France has formed government. He would use this occasion to spur French on to completion Saar accord. If appropriate at that time to obtain firm pledge to debate EDC before summer vacation of French Assembly, other countries would warn French Government of their plans to hold meeting without them under article 132.
- 3.
- Spaak will today contact Beyen, Bech and Hallstein to advise them of his plans. Spaak will take lead in conducting conversations with other countries and will keep me currently informed. Subject of these conversations should not come to attention of French officials until Benelux countries and FedRep are prepared to inform them.
- 4.
- At Geneva Spaak sounded out Eden on article 132 meeting and found him sympathetic and interested but made no attempt to obtain British commitment as he says he has introduced idea into Eden’s consciousness, where it should be given ample time to reach maturity. Therefore he suggests next discussion on this subject be in Washington between President, Secretary, Churchill and Eden.
- 5.
- He thinks secrecy essential to ultimate success any such scheme designed influence favorable French action EDC. Under no circumstances should reports of possible meeting under article 132 leak to press during US and UK talks.
- 6.
- Regarding Presidential letter he previously proposed, he now thinks it inopportune to consider it at this time since its contents should be framed in light of situation as it later develops. He is emphatic letter should not be directed to implementation of contractual agreements since this should not be used as threat unless intermediate attempts secure ratification have failed, when it will cease to be merely a threat and relief from occupation status will be a burning issue with Germans.
Suggest Department decide under circumstances whether Aldrich should discuss subject with Eden before latter’s departure Washington. In such event, participants in conversation should be restricted to Aldrich and Eden, especially in view reputed Foreign Office activities in considering plans alternative to EDC. Above conversation took place before investiture of Mendes-France. De Staercke is returning to Paris from Brussels Monday. I have asked him to obtain Spaak’s further views after he has read Mendes-France’s investiture Speech.
- Repeated to London eyes only for Aldrich and to Bonn eyes only for Conant.↩