840.20/8–1549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
niact
3046. Embtel 3389 Aug 15. I have studied carefully Mr. Schuman’s suggested formula and hope that he will agree to modifying para two so that it will read as fols:
“The motion responds to the profound conviction that individual and collective self-defense cannot be efficaciously assured except by the rapid and adequate implementation of military assistance and by the earliest possible establishment of effective machinery under Art 9.”
This change is suggested in order to remove some of implication that implementation of mil assistance and estab of effective machinery under Art 9 are dependent upon each other at this stage. There is a strong body of opinion in this country, particularly in Congress, which considers that there shld be only a minimum mil assistance program prior to formal operation of pact machinery.
Of equal importance is timing of delivery of note. Delivery of note simultaneously with deposit of instrument of ratification might well cause most deplorable reaction in US since it cld be interpreted as implying a reservation on part of Fr Govt to observe its commitments under Treaty. I realize that this is not Schuman’s intention and I wld therefore hope that he wld agree to postponing delivery of note for at least a day or two following deposit of instrument of ratification.
Pls convey above urgently to FonMin Schuman with my own personal regards. Pls assure him that I am entirely sympathetic with his parliamentary problem but that I know he fully appreciates mine. I attach greatest possible importance to launching mil assistance program on as effective a basis as possible.1
- In telegram No. 3425, August 18 from Paris, the Chargé advised that Schuman had agreed to accept the proposed wording and to postpone delivery of the note until a day or two following deposit of the instrument of ratification (840.20/8–1849).↩