Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Western Europe, Volume III

840.50 Recovery/10–1148: Telegram

The Ambassador in Belgium (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

secret

Brussels, October 11, 1948—noon.

1862. Lovett’s eyes only. Spaak tells me Harriman has officially requested him take over post director general OEEC and that Harriman developed idea there was no other European who could manage divergent interests of nations concerned; that progress by OEEC was being retarded for lack political and directive force; that he and Hoffman would have serious difficulties with American Congress next winter and that unless Spaak accepted take full time leadership Harriman was gravely concerned over future success Marshall Plan.¹ Spaak says Harriman assured him Foster Dulles was favorable.²

Spaak says this places him in very difficult position. He explained Harriman that not only was he leader his own party but was also only Socialist who could preserve workable coalition with Catholic Party, that he had confidence country; that he had so many projects in hand such as Benelux, Brussels pact, chief delegation UN, president Committee One, etc., for whom he could see no Belgian successor. Spaak said frankly proposition had personal appeal. He realized there was large opportunity for good Europe as a whole for preservation peace world. Such post would take him away from daily political strife in Belgium and make his private life considerably easier. Nevertheless he says it means abandonment his political program for Belgium certainly for few years if not longer and he is very disturbed and undecided what to do.

While I fully appreciate need for high caliber political direction in OEEC yet in my opinion it is for serious reflection whether long term interests US will best be served by having Spaak relinquish his government leadership in Belgium and accept international role as head OEEC. Doubtless consideration has already been given to so important matter but I feel bound point out that stable government in Belgium may be gravely jeopardized by withdrawal Spaak from leadership present coalition. Internal political issues include royal question, school question, price-salary question—whose solution by leader other than Spaak seems unlikely be achieved without serious internal repercussions and instability. In external affairs Spaak is dynamic force behind Benelux and Brussels pact as well as leadership Belgian delegation UN and chairman Committee One. For OEEC, Western European Union and Atlantic Union he likewise is driving force. Unfortunately there is no Belgian among current political party leaders who measure up stature Spaak in holding confidence country on both internal and external policies. (When asked point blank who could take over Spaak had no answer).

If Belgian is mandatory for OEEC leadership perhaps Ryckmans or Gutt³ could be persuaded accept. Naturally I have not expressed these doubts Spaak.

Repeated Paris for Secretary and Harriman.⁴

Sent Department 1862, repeated Paris 201.

Kirk

1. Mr. Harriman in an unnumbered telegram from Paris on October 14, noted that he did “not ‘officially request’ Spaak to take position with OEEC. My conversation was of an informal character to ascertain whether Spaak was seriously considering suggestions made by other members of OEEC. I did express my personal enthusiasm should he contemplate such a step and the good reception I believed it would have on the American side, although recognizing great importance of role he is at present playing.” (840.50 Recovery/10–1448)
2. Mr. Dulles was a foreign policy adviser to Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York, the Republican presidential candidate.
3. Dr. Pierre Ryckmans, Belgian Delegate to the U.N. General Assembly and the Belgian Representative on the Trusteeship Council; and Camille Gut, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund.
4. In telegram Martel 103 from Paris, November 2, 1948, not printed, Secretary Marshall reported conferring with Harriman and Kirk, and had agreed with Harriman not to press Spaak to take the OEEC post now. “For present, I think it best to leave matter alone and so informed Kirk. I will see Spaak in few days and matter may come into discussion then.” (840.50 Recovery/11–248)