740.5/9–850: Telegram
The United States Special Representative in Europe (Katz) to the Secretary of State
Repsec 34. Please pass Harriman. Stikker called this morning for brief review various matters prior his departure to forthcoming meetings in New York. In general conversation preceding discussion specific matters he remarked Brussels Pact organization had failed in its job and Council of Europe was getting nowhere. As for NATO he felt it still in talk stage with little accomplishment. When I mentioned deputies agreement on high priority production program, he acknowledged this useful as far as it went but too small to be significant. With respect to major developments which must follow, he was troubled by feeling that US waiting on Europeans for action and Europeans waiting on US leaving matters at dead center. He stressed futility separate national defense programs with illustrations from case of Netherlands. His government feels Germany must be brought effectively into defense of Western Europe. He was concerned about French slowness to face this need, but felt British Government in last two weeks was moving toward recognition of it. He felt unified command essential, and that such command could only be American.