Office of the Historian

740.5/7–2850: Telegram

The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State

top secret
priority
London, July 28, 1950—11 p. m.

Depto 20. Report on the fourth session NAC deputies follows:

1.
Meeting devoted largely discussion US proposal reported Depto 15. Proposal adopted with following amendments:
a.
Deletion “European” in first sentence paragraph 3a proposed by Alphand.
b.
Paragraph 3b amended, as suggested by Alphand, to provide that estimate by standing group should take into account as far as possible the national efforts of NAT countries and military aid programs.
c.
UK proposed adding to last sentence paragraph 3b “and the approximate dates by which they are required.” Amendment accepted on understanding that its feasibility would be discussed with standing group representatives.
d.
Alphand proposed (supported by UK) amend paragraph 3b to request SG consideration of infra-structure. Spofford repeated substance yesterday’s remarks that study this complicated subject would slow up work on main project. On understanding that matter would be discussed with standing group representatives August 1 and would not be permitted interfere with immediate development of military production possibilities, following sentence added: “Standing group shall also be requested to give as soon as feasible an estimate of infra-structure items of equipment and stocks to be given similar high priority.”
e.
Accepted Alphand amendment deleting words “in Europe” first sentence paragraph 3c on understanding US production not to be included in PWS–MPSB study. UK suggested certain possibilities production in Canada should be explored and supported Alphand amendment. Spofford again emphasized immediate problem was to make use unused military production capacity in Europe.
f.
Amended paragraph 3d by substituting “provisional” for “specific”. Accepted UK amendment but adding that PWS–DFEC to be requested make an interim report by August 10. This was substitute for Alphand proposal that deputies themselves recommend provisional mechanism.
g.
Alphand proposed amendment paragraph 3d by deleting words “in Europe”. Spofford explained that if DFEC study was extended to include funds for military production in North America it could not be expected make useful report on main subject of study, that is use of European production capacity. Spofford explained US considering broader and more flexible forms assistance for additional military production in Europe and study should concentrate on this aspect. Alphand withdrew amendment.
h.
US proposal approved as amended,1 unless any deputy raises objection before 11 a. m., July 29 after receiving clean copies.
2.
Deputies agreed issue communiqué reported separate Depto 19.2 As spokesman for deputies, Spofford spoke to press along lines of communiqué.
3.
Spofford closed meeting with statement urging deputies, in consultation with governments, to stress importance of replies to US inquiries in Depcirctel July 22, 1 a. m.

[Page 161]

Emphasized that further US actions will depend in large measure on substantial increase in European defense effort.

Sent Department Depto 20, repeated information Paris 162.

[Spofford]
  1. Council Deputies Document D–D/9 Revised, not printed.↩
  2. Depto 19, July 28, not printed. The communiqué was released to the press at 6:30 p. m., London time, July 28. (740.5/7–2850)↩