Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Council of Foreign Ministers; Germany and Austria, Volume III

840.00/7–2549: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

secret

London, July 25, 1949—8 p.m.

2927. Embtel 2892 July 22 repeated Paris 564, Berlin 276¹. Unconfirmed press reports from Paris that Schuman raised question of Saar’s admission to Council of Europe during his talk with Bevin on July 23. Dean has not seen Bevin’s memo of conversation and indeed doubts whether Bevin made written record of this particular point especially since Schuman made it quite clear that French were not making formal request for admission of Saar. Dean is certain however that Bevin gave no commitments whatsoever. A few days prior to the Bevin-Schuman conversation Harvey² mentioned to Parodi that Massigli had raised question with Foreign Office (Embtel 2834 July 19³) and inquired whether French Foreign Minister personally interested in inclusion Saar. Parodi reportedly gave negative reply. Moreover, Bevin received distinct impression in his talk with Schuman that latter not particularly concerned about matter.

Dean expressed hope that French will not introduce issue at Strasbourg and indicated that if they did Bevin would probably vote against proposal which Foreign Office believes would probably be resented in West Germany. He intimated, however, that British might reconsider their present attitude in order to use admission Saar as bait to induce French to change their position re inclusion Germany in Council. Latter he stated have recently started to drag heels on early admission Germany although committed eventual inclusion. This change Dean attributes to influence Couve de Murville and Parodi on Schuman.

British disturbed by development as they feel that West Germany should be admitted to Council as quickly as possible in furtherance of policy of linking Germany together. In conclusion Bevin reiterated Shuckburgh’s assurance that UK take no action re Saar without previous consultation with US.

Sent Department 2927, repeated Paris 577, Berlin 278.

Douglas

1. Not printed; it reported that the French had brought up again the issue of the admission of the Saar to the Council of Europe despite the unfavorable view of the British. The Foreign Office was now studying the problem, particularly possible adverse German reaction to admission of the Saar, and would oppose any move that was likely to defeat the long term objective of integrating Germany in Europe. (840.00/7–2249)
2. Sir Oliver C. Harvey, British Ambassador in France.
3. Not printed.