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

740.5/11–2550: Telegram

The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State

top secret
priority

London, November 25, 1950—2 a. m.

Depto 220. 33rd Meeting Deputies November 24.

1. WG interim report on meeting military production. Chairman indicated US approval report and its recommendations, and US understanding that while DPB would recommend as to eligibility major projects and programs for external aid, this would be on basis technical production criteria such as cost, relative efficiency, and need for external supplies, pro equipment and material, but DPB would not express judgment as to amount and final terms external aid. US favored serious consideration international budget covering salaries and other expenses international staff. Noted possibility that DPB would adopt voting procedure matters internal administration and some types substantive recommendations. Substance of report approved without change subject to minor points of interpretation incorporated in report of today’s meeting.

2. On question whether DPB should be responsible to Deputies or DefCom, US proposed formula in Todep 108, November 21¹ that DPB be responsible to DefCom pending top level reorganization but accept guidance from Deputies when DefCom not in session. Canada, Denmark, and Netherlands Deputies believed DPB should be made responsible only to Deputies from start. French Deputy agreed but will accept US proposal as provisional measure. Italy and Luxembourg agreed US proposal. Norway believed solution should be deferred pending general reorganization but would personally accept US proposal provisionally. Portuguese preferred DPB be responsible to both Def Com and DFEC depending on substance but prepared follow majority. UK preferred DPB be responsible immediately to Deputies but would agree to US proposal provisionally if broadened to provide DPB must keep Deputies currently informed of its activities. US proposals amended by UK accepted.

3. On question when DPB should be established, US, Norwegian and Portuguese Deputies lacked authority agree establishment until report approved by DefCom. All others urged immediate establishment. All agreed with Belgian suggestion each Deputy seek his government’s authorization nominate board members and be prepared establish board immediately after DefCom agreement. French Deputy recalled council rather than DefCom must approve reorganization and UK pointed out present situation demonstrated inadequacy of present machinery since each deputy should be able speak for his government including Defense and all other ministries. Canada and Netherlands Deputies emphasized importance MPSB members receiving same instructions as respective Deputies and that MPSB could note action taken by Deputies but nothing more.

4. Chairman summarized situation: (1) WG would immediately draft terms of reference for DPB, (2) each government would be asked to consider appointees urgently, and (3) Norwegian, Portuguese and Austrian [American?] Deputies would seek further instructions as to whether board could not be set up promptly on provisional basis subject to confirmation by DefCom. Please instruct.²

Sent Dept Depto 220, repeated info Paris for Embassy and OSR priority 1001, Frankfort priority 449, Heidelberg for Handy 84, Weisbaden for Cannon 108, Brussels 139, Luxembourg 32, Copenhagen 102, The Hague 150, Lisbon 74, Oslo 87, Ottawa 42, Rome 202.

[Spofford]

1. Not printed; in it Spofford was advised that the United States approved the experts’ report for the reorganization of the MPSB and favored NATO action to carry out the experts’ recommendations (740.5/11–2050).
2. On November 29 Spofford was instructed that final action on establishing the DPB should await consideration by the Defense Committee which could note the action proposed by the Deputies and make such recommendations as they might wish concerning the procedure for establishing the Board. Todep 124 to London, not printed (740.5/11–2550).