762A.5/10–1750: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
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1973. Eyes only Bohlen and Bonsal. This is State–Defense msg. Re Deptel 1970, October 17. Fol is text of Dept Defense résumé of conversation between Gen Marshall and Moch on Oct 16: At Mr. Acheson’s request, Gen Marshall had frank and confidential discussion with Moch on threat of Russia and means at our disposal for effective defense. After thorough and critical analysis of mil situation, it seemed apparent that Moch believed Russia was not likely take immediate aggressive action; that problem of Ger units was not primarily fear of resurgence of Ger individually, but rather conviction that Gers wld side with most powerful force (i. e., Soviets) and Ger units wld later “turn-coat”. His principal worry on Ger issue was polit. He expressed conviction that if Fr Govt is faced with straight yes or no issue on Oct 28th over Ger participation in defenses, that answer will be no. Gen Marshall made it completely clear that US must have realistic solution by Oct 28th. Gen Marshall based this conviction on US public and congressional reaction against further funds for Eur if realistic defense efforts not achieved quickly. Moch specifically asked the General for postponement of Ger issue now, by naming of a Supreme Commander who wld study the Ger issue and later make recommendations. Gen Marshall made it quite clear that naming a Supreme Commander now was desirable, but wld not agree on postponement of Ger issue. Gen Marshall indicated his complete sympathy with Fr difficulty, but urged Moch consider problem realistically in that a defense to the east in Ger must include Ger participation. General indicated that without this, a defense line west of Rhine might be best that cld be hoped for. Moch indicated clearly that this was unacceptable to Fr. Nevertheless, he consistently failed to come up with any practical alternative solution. It was obvious that Moch was most apprehensive of issue confronting him but denied that his personal feelings were involved. It seems likely that Moch is fighting for a delay and, hence, is strongly opposed to US position of seeking solution at this time.