840.20/2–1649
Memorandum by the Counselor of the Department of
State (Bohlen) to the Secretary of State
and the Under Secretary of State (Webb)
top secret
[Washington,] February 16, 1949.
In view of the Secretary’s brief conversation with Sir Oliver Franks this
afternoon, since the drafting of my memorandum of February 16, it is
recommended that while draft “D” of Article 5 remains the minimum
commitment in so far as the State Department is concerned which we
believe would render possible the achievement of the purposes we have in
mind in the North Atlantic Pact, this minimum draft should be held in
reserve and not presented in the first instance for consideration by the
Senators.
There are attached versions “A”, “B” and “C” which in order of priority
represent more preferable drafts in the light of the British
Ambassador’s observations.
It is therefore recommended that in the suggested conversation between
the President and the Secretary and Senator Connally that an endeavor be
made to enlist his support for variant “A” or “B” before proceeding to
“C” or “D”.
[Enclosure 1]
“A”
article 5 (mutual assistance)
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in
Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them
all; and consequently that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of
them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective
self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United
Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking,
individually and in concert with the other Parties, such military or
other action as it deems necessary to restore and maintain the
security of the North Atlantic area.
Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has
[Page 116]
taken the measures
necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security.
(United States)
[Enclosure 2]
“B”
article 5 (mutual assistance)
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in
Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them
all; and consequently that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of
them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective
self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United
Nations, will take, individually and in concert with the other
Parties, such military or other action as it deems necessary to
restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.
Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken
the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace
and security. (United States)
[Enclosure 3]
“C”
article 5 (mutual assistance)
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in
Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them
all; and consequently that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of
them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective
self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United
Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking,
individually and in concert with the other Parties, the action it
deems necessary to restore and maintain the security of the North
Atlantic area.
Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken
the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace
and security. (United States)
