London Embassy Files, Lot 58F47, 500 Marshall Plan: Telegram
The Chargé in Belgium (Millard) to the Secretary of State
[1437.]1 Repeated Paris [248] for Hoffman and Harriman, London [173] for Douglas. Last night we questioned Spaak re prospects for greater economic integration of Europe which has been theme of Hoffman [Page 438] in recent months and which we imagine he will stress at forthcoming meeting of OEEC.
Spaak said that until what he termed “mystery” of Brit policy was revealed European union was impossible on either economic or political plane. He launched into diatribe on British devaluation of pound and insisted that this measure would be as fruitless as it was unnecessary since British had now imposed upon all of Western Europe as well as themselves task of producing from l/3rd to l/6th more goods in order to earn same amount of dollars.
Former Prime Minister said that it was beyond his comprehension how British leaders could fail to understand that US taxpayer was getting tired and could not be expected indefinitely to contribute to ECA or other aid projects unless there was tangible proof that this great investment was bringing constructive return. However, in his recent talk with Cripps he saw no evidence of such a comprehension. He admitted, however, that trouble was deeper than merely Cripps fanaticism since decisions of Brit Govt, are taken by entire Cabinet and not by one minister.
Spaak said that there was sufficient foundation in Europe now for successful economic collaboration if continental countries could be assured of sincere and unselfish British cooperation. He cited specifically OEEC in economic field and 2 organs of Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers and the Assembly. More elaborate organization Spaak did not feel necessary at this juncture but he stressed repeatedly that what was essential was a greater regard by Brit Govt, for its responsibilities vis-à-vis Europe. He did not think that Britain could get along with Commonwealth only and that it was a dangerous fallacy to assume that Brit could “go it alone” independently of Europe.
Spaak will be in Paris November 7 and 8 for meeting of Council of Europe Committee and it might be useful for Hoffman and Harriman to sound out his views personally. We do not feel that his somber view is inspired by personal pique as result of Cripps and Bevin’s opposition to using his talents in OEEC. Rather his feeling is statesman-like and based on genuine mystification as to why Brit leaders have failed to realize where broad interests of their country lie.
- The text printed here is from telegram 173 from Brussels to London, a repetition of telegram 1437 to the Department of State.↩