740.5/9–2650: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
Secto 53. Department pass Defense. Following is summary1 of Secretary’s conversation with Norwegian and Benelux FonMins re German participation EDF. Secretary explained progress made in discussion subject matter with FonMins and DefMins of Big Three. Believed Moch left in a more cooperative frame of mind after General Marshall discussed military necessity of German participation and necessity for decision on this point before taking plan to US Congress. Secretary explained defense committee meeting postponed. In spite probable difficulty in House of Deputies believed Moch and Schuman would urge government to make favorable decision. Secretary read portions of tripartite agreement, the draft proposal for the council and the communiqué.
[Page 348]Bech noted difficulties French had in reaching decision; pointed out that many in France do not consider aggression serious danger. In event there is no aggression in next few years, German participation would result in a situation in which France again would be faced with a strong German army. He noted that Luxembourg would be influenced by French decision.
Lange noted that question on command of north European defense and problem of defending northern Norway would be raised by him in council next day.
Van Zeeland stressed going slow with French and asked about status of decision on ground defenses in Germany. Secretary said Marshall had termed massive defenses as possible military liability which would undesirably divide East and West Germany. Marshall also suggested that German units be kept below 1/5 entire force.
Bech said considering quality of German soldier 1/5 was formidable number. He suggested Marshall prepare friendly statement assuring that guarantees against rise of German military power would be part of general plan.
- A memorandum of conversation on this meeting dated September 25, not printed, is in Department of State file 740.5/9–2550.↩