740.5/8–250: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State
Depto 32. From Spofford. Deputies advised at end this afternoon’s meeting following action by Bruce and Douglas. Re Todep 22.1 I treated it casually, but stated that I was instructed to advise them of nature of statements being made in Washington this afternoon.2 Considerable interest was expressed and desire to see text of Secretary’s remarks on subject.
Earlier in afternoon, I had forewarned Alphand and Hoyer-Millar. Alphand indicated no concern but said he hoped no moves toward raising authorized capacity would be made before conclusion of Schuman Plan. French would then accept increases. He remarked that France, Belgium and Luxembourg had ample unused steel capacity and hoped purchases would be primarily in those countries, Hoyer-Millar’s only comment was hope we would limit purchases in Germany to routine products such as steel plates rather than encourage development of special skills such as in optical industry.
If Secretary spoke from prepared text, would appreciate pertinent excerpt.
Sent Department Depto 32; repeated info Paris 185.
- To London, August 1, not printed.↩
- Secretary of State Acheson addressed the Armed Services Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, and, in a special press briefing, Department of State officials discussed the reasoning behind the request for a $4 billion supplementary appropriation. For text of Acheson’s statement, see Department of State Bulletin, August 14, 1950, p. 249. Statements also were made before the Armed Services Subcommittee by Secretary of Defense Johnson and ECA Deputy Administrator Foster. Of the three statements, only Foster mentioned Germany. The pertinent paragraph was conveyed to Spofford in Paris in telegram 604 to Paris, August 2, not printed. (740.5 MAP/8–250)↩