740.5/12–250: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State
niact
3239. Eyes only from Spofford. On Alphand’s initiative I talked with Pleven and Schuman this afternoon. Parodi, Massigli, Alphand and Achilles present.
[Page 512]To our complete surprise Pleven and Schuman stated they had reached conclusion their best hope of carrying French Assembly was acceptance Dutch proposal for NATO High Commissioner.1 This would mean Twelve-Power acceptance of basic French thesis, i.e. international rather than German control over German forces. They suggested acceptance in principle now of idea of NATO HICOM, with his functions to be worked out in detail in comparatively near future while initial military steps being taken in Germany, with European army and political superstructure idea retained as longer range objective. They believe this will be more acceptable to Assembly than original Pleven proposal unagreed in principle and with only few lukewarm countries prepared to discuss it. They emphasized they had not yet broached idea to anyone else either here or in Paris and could not guarantee reaction there. They expect discuss it with key political figures Monday and Tuesday and earnestly requested our consideration and reaction before then.
I told them we had not really examined Dutch proposal and had no idea how Washington would react but that we would endeavor obtain views soonest. Emphasized concern at any further delay and imperative need for immediate agreement on solution German problem.
They reiterated belief European solution best ultimate means of ensuring German cooperation but said they now felt best way of working toward it in defense field was through NATO in first instance.
My first reaction to this volte face is that it would have been helpful two weeks ago. It still may help but will take intensive thought before agreement in principle is possible. Many functions of NATO HICOM suggested in Netherlands paper2 particularly those in paragraph b go beyond requirements of situation and would cross wires with HICOM’s and SHAPE in several respects. On other hand, if functions kept down to supervision of German Federal agencies for recruitment, training, et cetera, and control matériel, scheme may be practical. Advantage, in addition to getting French off parliamentary hook would be probable warm support of Britain, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and others who either reject European idea or have accepted it only reluctantly despite our strong support and who will welcome emphasis on NATO. Realize this concept probably less acceptable to Germans and so would require continued emphasis on European institutions as long-range goal.
[Page 513]I am meeting Alphand in morning to try to reduce suggestion to concrete form. Would appreciate your first reactions soonest. My greatest concern is over time factor. Will have better idea on this tomorrow.
Sent Department niact 3239, repeated info priority Paris 1074, priority Frankfort 506.