840.00/3–448: Telegram
The Chargé in Belgium (Millard) to the Secretary of State
451. ReEmbtel 442, March 2. Re Western Union: Informal preliminary Benelux draft presented French, British Ambassadors opening session follows:
“Preamble: Decided cooperate closely on regional basis for realization aims defined charter in conformity Articles 52, 53, 54; resolved accord mutual assistance in exercise natural and legitimate defense [Page 36] conformity Article 51. Resolved notably forestall any resumption German aggressive policy; considering UK–USSR Treaty May 26, 19421 and French-USSR Treaty December 10, 1944,2 have decided conclude treaty to this effect etc.
Article 1. Contracting parties will do utmost realize convergence their economic policies and take all other steps view increase economic prosperity assure social security and thereby contribute more effectively mission UN assigned them in these domains. Therefore, agree consult with view according reciprocal aid and conciliate economic interests, intend thus bring effective contribution to work of European economic reconstruction. They will constitute without delay bring about economic cooperation among themselves simultaneously with economic cooperation other nations appropriate permanent organizations.
In framework international obligations will facilitate by all appropriate means commercial exchanges with overseas territories bound to them with specialties.
Article 2. Parties will consult periodically all problems common interest and at request of one [of] them on any situation threatening peace.
Article 3. In case one party might be engaged hostilities directed either against its homeland or against occupation troops Germany following armed aggression against it, parties using right legitimate collective defense recognized Article 51, will at at its request, come immediately to its aid and will offer all possible assistance military or otherwise.
Article 4. In case one of parties becomes engaged outside of its homeland or occupation zone Germany hostilities to repulse aggression, it can invite other parties determine what measures compatible with charter might be taken aid or assistance.
Article 5. Parties recognize as obligatory their mutual contracts and during present treaty jurisdiction International Court Justice over all differences mentioned Article 36, paragraph 2 its Statute.
Foregoing does not prejudice special agreements instituting other procedure for peaceful settlement.
Parties agree submit to procedure conciliation all differences other than those referred Article 36, paragraph 22 [2]”.
In giving foregoing Loridan3 stated it appeared well received by British-French Ambassadors who, however, unable express reaction [Page 37] due absence Jebb4 who delayed England due bad weather only arriving Brussels tomorrow with British-French drafts which he and French foreign officials have been preparing.
Next session Friday p. m. talks probably continue into weekend. Loridan appears optimistic and satisfied with today’s session.
Subsequently saw Spaak who shared Loridan’s views, remarked if foregoing draft should offend French Benelux has another specifically mentioning Germany.
Sent Department 451, repeated Paris 40, London 48, The Hague 32.
- For documentation on the conversations leading to the conclusion of this treaty of alliance and mutual assistance, see Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. iii, pp. 490–566, passim. ↩
- For text of this treaty of alliance and mutual assistance, see Department of State Bulletin, January 7, 1945, p. 39.↩
- Walter Loridan, Director of Offices, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.↩
- Gladwyn Jebb, British Assistant Under-Secretary of State, Superintending Under-Secretary for the United Nations Political Department.↩