Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Western Europe, Volume III

740.5/11–1250: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

top secret
niact

Paris, November 12, 1950—2 p. m.

2658. Eyes only Acheson.

1. I saw Parodi and Alphand at 11 this morning. Alphand is leaving for London at noon. They discussed with me the instructions which the latter has been given by his government and which General Ely has also received. The government may modify them if it wishes but that is most unlikely. They are to be held highly secret and they have taken measures to prevent leaks here regarding them.

2. It is hoped that Spofford and Paris Embassy will receive with the least possible delay the US Government’s reaction to this proposal. If the US and France can reconcile their present differences of viewpoint the French believe that the continental countries with the possible exception of the Scandinavian but including Germany would find this suggestion of compromise acceptable.

3. If the US Government should be adverse to these proposals then Parodi says there will be a cabinet crisis since these latest proposals represents the furthest the Government thinks it can go and obtain political and public support. Parodi characterizes the instructions as reflecting very great concessions to our objections.

4. Preferably the French Government would like to reach if possible an agreement in principle with the US Government on this subject before Alphand makes his expose to the Council of Deputies.

5. I am sending the text of Alphand’s probable presentation by separate cable.¹ There has been no time to translate it. In brief it suggests: (a) German and other units in European Army be limited to regimental combat teams, (b) immediately preparation of recruiting lists and physical accommodations but no training proceeded with in Germany, (c) there be no discrimination against Germany in the framework of the European Army.

6. If you wish to telephone me today I can be reached.

7. I would like to go Tuesday night to London and confer there on Wednesday with McCloy, Douglas, Spofford, Bohlen and Holmes. If agreeable please issue me travel orders.

For distribution as directed by Secretary’s office. London eyes only Douglas and Spofford 646, Frankfort eyes only McCloy 287.

Bruce

1. Telegram 2664 from Paris, November 12, not printed. The statement, as presented by Alphand at the afternoon meeting of the Council Deputies, is summed up in Spofford’s report of the meeting in his Depto 173, November 13, p. 448.