Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Western Europe, Volume IV

840.50 Recovery/7–2949: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France

secret
priority

Washington, July 29, 1949—6 p. m.

2792. Moens de Fernig (Belgian Minister Econ Coordination) has suggested informally that in view present political situation Belgium, consideration be given approaching Spaak to head up OEEC. Spaak indicated to our Embassy Brussels on July 19¹ that if the Socialist Party were not in the next Govt he would not be in a position to participate directly in Foreign Affairs including OEEC. The present political situation in Belgium extremely confused and outcome still uncertain. Given Spaak’s outstanding qualities statesmanship he would unquestionably give much needed additional strength OEEC during coming critical period.

Since last year Schuman took lead proposing Spaak be approached head up OEEC, please take this up with him informally and ascertain his present views, and, if favorable, whether he wishes to raise the question in the OEEC.

Acheson

1. This conversation was described in telegram 1013 from Brussels, July 19, not printed.