840.20/9–749
Memorandum on the Under Secretary Meeting of September 7, 1949
1. North Atlantic Pact Organization (Secret) Mr. Perkins1 reported on the current status of the North Atlantic Pact Organization discussions. He pointed out that the NME is particularly worried about the secretariat problem and, in particular, does not want an international secretariat. Although this problem is not settled, State is inclined to let the Defense Board work out its own secretariat problem. The British would like to have the Supply Board located in Washington but the United States prefers to have it in Europe. Mr. Perkins pointed out that NME would like to have the North Atlantic Pact Organization proposals put up to the NSC for approval but he is inclined at present to feel that it is unnecessary. Mr. Rusk pointed out that if State and the NME agree, there is no reason why it should go to the NSC unless the Military have a desire to freeze every aspect of the Pact Organization.
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- George W. Perkins, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs.↩