740.5/11–350: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
priority
2309. For Douglas. As you know NAT Def Mins were unable at recent mtg make progress in constitution force for def Eur. This inability was due to absolute intransigeance of Moch who insisted throughout Fr wld only consider Ger contribution Eur def only within framework Fr proposals. Polit and mil aspects plan were wholly unacceptable other Eurs present (without supporting Fr plan, Belg and Lux sought to temporize) and it is clear they wld be equally unacceptable to Gers. US felt unable proceed with its contribution to Eur force while such central issue remained wholly unresolved. We and other Eurs are prepared make reasonable concessions provided we consider an effective force wld result but no progress appears possible as long as Fr stick rigidly to unrealistic and unacceptable scheme.
We are asking Bruce discuss situation frankly with Pleven and Schuman to determine whether position Moch represents position Fr Govt as whole (tel will be rptd to you). We are inclined believe it does not. We recognize however strategic position Socialists in Fr Govt enables them exercise influence out of proportion real strength. Key to restoring some flexibility Fr position may therefore be in convincing Fr Socialists, with or without Moch, that present stand is injurious interests France and Party itself.
We presume Labor Govt, which is as deeply disturbed at this development as we are, may have already approached Fr Socialists, perhaps Mollet during his recent visit, to point out vigorously and frankly grave responsibility they are assuming in preventing, through their insistence on the letter of an unrealistic scheme unacceptable all other NAT participants, the effective and rapid org Eur def as far east as possible. If Labor Party leaders have not already approached Fr Socialists along these lines, we hope they may consider it desirable to do so promptly before positions become more deeply frozen. It might also be useful if they shld suggest to Dutch, Belg and Scandinavian Socialists that latter also approach Fr. We are asking Murphy1 [Page 432] discuss matter with Spaak but consider Brit better fitted enlist support other Eur Socialists if it is felt useful.
If you perceive no objection, you are requested discuss this question with McNeil2 or whomever you consider appropriate, inquiring what Labor Party leaders may already have done along these lines and, if they have taken no action, pointing out importance of exercise Labor Party influence in this critical field.