840.00/10–2249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
top secret
priority
priority
London, October
24, 1949—7 p. m.
3821. For Douglas and Perkins. Further re Paris 4422, October 22. Pending receipt more detailed report of your discussions (which please telegraph soonest) will not attempt extensive comment. However, following preliminary views on longer-term objectives supplement Deptel 3820:1
[Page 345]- 1.
- Dept had not intended in its 40132 to Paris to suggest new sweeping plan involving at this time extensive surrender of sovereignty. We agree on step by step approach, always keeping in mind, however, the larger concept of European integration we hope ultimately can be achieved.
- 2.
- Particular steps listed Paris 4422 are aspects of step by step approach, within framework of and envisaged by OEEC Convention, but these do not appear to go far enough to deal effectively with the German problem.
- 3.
- The precise nature and scope of the more far reaching measures necessary to deal with the German problem are, and will continue to be, the subject of considerable debate. Such measures should, to the greatest extent possible, be developed by the Europeans. This was one of important reasons for emphasizing necessity for French leadership. We agree with you, however, that France alone cannot lead European powers to the solution and that British influence and assistance is also essential. However, we had believed that France and other continental powers would be willing to go farther along road to integration (including Western Germany) than would the British, and we would not wish to see this progress retarded by British reluctance.
- 4.
- In this connection, not clear to us from Paris 4422 whether the British “participation” therein envisaged means British participation on equal footing with continental powers or whether could be some lesser degree of participation. We judge from step “E” of 4422 that the latter was intended, but in view of the stress on “active participation” in the opening part of reftel, we should welcome your further comment on this point.
Acheson