740.5/11–2050: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Embassy in France
954. Eyes only from Spofford for Bruce and McCloy, As result of Deputies meeting today, at which time 1 put forward in general terms [Page 475] proposal for solution of present situation, involving immediate interim measures re German contribution coupled with calling of conference by French to discuss European policy institutions, I think situation tactically is quite fluid. This results in part from proposal by Dutch Deputy that there should be created NATO High Commissioner as opposed European High Commissioner or Defense Minister of French concept. Other Deputies showed interest in this latter proposal and continued dislike for French proposal.
We will not discuss German question again in Deputies until Friday and I doubt if question will be much clarified then. All Deputies expressed interest in proposal which I outlined and requested that it be reduced to writing and circulated. This will be done tomorrow after which there will be short period of consultation with governments.
I believe it most important that at this stage there be no publicity as to lines along which discussion is developing. I shall take steps to see that nothing is given to press here at least from US sources and I think that other Deputies will probably do same. In this connection, I hope very much that Schuman’s speech in Council of Europe on Friday will have been prepared with above considerations in mind.1 While we fully recognize need for his statement at Council where question of European army, German participation, et cetera, has become major point of discussion, I would very much hope that he would not further commit French Government publicly to conditions regarding German contribution Western European defense. I propose speak to Alphand in above sense if you agree. Please let me know.
Sent Paris 954 for Bruce, repeated information Department Depto 201, Frankfort 420 for McCloy.