740.5/9–1850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
Secto 29. Summary fifth meeting North Atlantic Council 11 a. m. September 18:
1. Agenda item 1, relationship between NATO–OEEC.
Council adopted C 5–D/7(rev.)1 with two changes proposed by Bevin. Deleted phrase in first paragraph “particularly in connection with measuring the impact of and suggesting means of financing the MTDP”; and added to end final paragraph the phrase “and is referred to the deputies for that purpose”.
2. Agenda item 2, raw materials problems (C 5–D/4 rev.).1 Council adopted resolution. Stikker agreed, but expressed hope that deputies would work out proper coordination with OEEC.
3. Agenda item 3, resolution on MTDP (C 5–D/5 rev.).2 Adopted without discussion.
4. Agenda item 4, questions affecting defense Western Europe (D–D/62).1 Spofford reported deputies had exchanged views on German and integrated force. Had agreed were points on both problems on which further consultation with governments required by some ministers. Agreed recommend that Council recess for as short a period as possible, perhaps week, to enable government consultation take place. Deputies recommended that Council continue discussion today and suggested each express views on two phases, indicating which points require consultation with government, and stating government’s attitude at this time.
[Page 328]Spofford stated deputies recommended brief communiqué, merely indicating Council had recessed to permit consultation governments.
5. Council agreed to short recess, on understanding meeting would be set at time most convenient for ministers. If minister could not attend personally, government would be suitably represented.
6. Council agreed each minister should be given opportunity raise any question and make such statement on issues he cared to make, after Schuman, Lange and Cunha made clear they did not desire reopen entire German debate.
7. Country views given as follows: Van Zeeland accepted whole-heartedly concept of unified force. Agreed to principle of unified command, single commander, assisted by international staff. Expressed satisfaction that force would be made up of national contingents, and also at US decision take full share in force and send additional units to Europe. All should recognize that must make maximum effort raise required force.
Could see wide area agreement on German participation in defense in one form or another. Must insure that German attitude would be favorable. Belgium accepted principle of German participation in form to be decided upon criteria of maximum effectiveness. This decision raises many internal, legal and constitutional problems.
Pearson had hoped German participation could be decided now in principle. However, impressed with Schuman’s difficulties and agreed postpone one week. On integrated force, welcomed ideas of US. Believed would effect desirable simplifications of pact machinery. Raised problem of better liaison between SG and non-members and pointed out this would be more important if functions of SG increased as proposed. Suggested consideration doing away with DC and DFEC, and having but one council at ministerial level, at which appropriate ministers could appear as required.
Explained unique position Canada as small overseas nation with local defense problems. Stated Canada forming new army for UN and NATO but made clear making no commitment now how Canada would be associated with unified force. Asked for NATO guidance on disposition of equipment Canada prepared make available, through stocks and new production from $300 million program. Requested progress on standardization so Canada could replace equipment, but did not specify US equipment.
De Kauffmann3 explained Denmark and Norway positions generally similar and preferred speak after Lange.
Schuman hoped study during recess would result in rapprochement. Raised again question getting Germans to build line of fortifications, [Page 329] and proposed that High Commission study. If could announce at end ten days would have favorable effect on public opinion Europe and Germany, since fortifications would be built along eastern frontier.
Benediktsson4 agreed principle integrated force, but felt countries more directly concerned should decide on this and German question.
Sforza had little to add but hoped will reach agreement as soon as possible. Deeply appreciated US proposals and entirely agreed principle integrated force. Agreed Pearson’s remarks re SG and with Schuman’s proposal for building German fortifications. Latter would prove we thinking only of defense, not aggression.
Bech stated in general agreed on unified force but must consult government. On Germany, greatly impressed with Secretary’s statement, which resolved many their doubts.
Stikker stated nothing to add to earlier German statement. Netherlands Parliament has discussed and arrived at position he earlier expressed. Agreed in principle on integrated force. Agreed with Pearson re better liason with SG. Cited proposed action by North Atlantic Ocean Planning Group re Dutch fleet and stated SG should insure that countries brought in when problems affecting them discussed. SG should maintain close contact with Council, where political guidance obtained.
Lange stated several questions. Wanted US to explain phrase in statement re “adequate force to insure successful defense Europe including West Germany.” Did this mean all of NAT area or only central Europe? Questioned authority of chief of staff on training, pointing out that what done with forces allocated to NATO would have direct bearing on national forces not so allocated. Requested information re effect of integrated force on present regional planning groups. Stated any change in North Atlantic Ocean Group should be decided by Council.
Lange associated himself with Pearson and Stikker and Sforza re SG, saying liaison must be improved, if authority broadened.
8. Council adjourned until 3.
Department pass Brussels (pass to Luxembourg), Ottawa, Copenhagen, Paris (pass OSR), Rome, The Hague, Oslo, Lisbon, London, Heidelberg for Handy, Defense; sent Department Secto 29, repeated Brussels (pass to Luxembourg) unnumbered, Ottawa unnumbered, Copenhagen unnumbered, Paris (pass OSR) unnumbered, Rome unnumbered, The Hague unnumbered, Oslo unnumbered, Lisbon unnumbered, London unnumbered, Heidelberg for Handy unnumbered, Defense unnumbered.
- Not found in Department of State central or NATO Sub-Registry files.↩
- Not found in Department of State central or NATO Sub-Registry files.↩
- A copy of the final revision of this resolution is in the Department of State NATO Sub-Registry files.↩
- Not found in Department of State central or NATO Sub-Registry files.↩
- Henrik de Kanffman, Danish Ambassador in the United States.↩
- Bjarni Benediktsson, Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Justice.↩