840.00/6–2149: Telegram
The Chargé in Belgium (West) to the Secretary of State
53. Meeting last week end of Brussels Pact FonMins characterized by close harmony under chairmanship of Bech and absence sensational developments.
Cultural and social questions received greatest attention. Decision [garble] continue program pending formulation European council’s plan using those fields. Airmail report follows.
Bevin gave factual account of Paris CFM developments and Schuman presented optimistic general picture of East–West relations.
[Page 307]Colonel Mallaby1 of secretariat gave defense report setting two million men under arms as objective for five powers armed forces. Spaak terminated incipient controversy re purchases of materiel from outside of Brussels group by announcing Belgium had already completed supplementary thirty million dollar military expansion program for this year without outside purchase and he presumed others were doing likewise. It was agreed that each power would individually publicize defense measures for benefit American public opinion. Mallaby’s report approved and meeting defense minister[s] set for July 15 here.
According to one source Stikker warned against Rapallo repetition2 and stated division of Germany should be recognized and Western Germany brought into Western European family. Bevin assured him US, UK, and France were working along lines consistent with above views.…
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Discussion of Atlantic Treaty was ruled out as premature owing American non-ratification. Bevin [garble] Secretary’s statements re Congressional calendar for treaty and MAP. Some observers expressed opinion that group’s relative inactivity re additional military planning reflected uncertainty re future American actions.
Sent Department; repeated Brussels 14, Paris 11, London 11, The Hague 13.