840.20/11–2248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Belgium
1566. Embtel 2054 Nov 20. We are unable understand Spaak’s enthusiasm over progress toward North Atlantic Pact or belief Pact may be realized by Jan. Matter has been at complete standstill with ball on European side of net since Sept 10 with present indications exploratory talks will not be resumed before Dec. We anticipate minimum of three months will be required between resumption of exploratory talks and submission of possible Pact to Senate. It was made clear in exploratory talks we were not interested entering in Pact with Brussels Treaty parties alone and that we attached great importance to mutually satisfactory provision for original membership of Italy and other North Atlantic countries. We do not see any [Page 283] connection with Ital colonies (Embtel 2052 Nov 201) and believe Ital participation must be on basis existing military clauses of peace treaty. Eventual inclusion Italy within Brussels Pact is matter for decision by present parties but we have strong views on initial inclusion Italy in any Atlantic Pact. We would appreciate elaboration Irish views as expressed to Spaak by MacBride.
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