740.5/12–550: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State
priority
3274. Eyes only for Perkins from Spofford. Re Todep 127 and Todep 128.1 While not yet possible fix time schedule for joint meetings of Military Committee and Deputies, and consequently for Defense Committee and possible Council meeting, we still face decision as to meeting of Council with Foreign Ministers attending.
Personally, I consider that procedure outlined Todep 128 is workable. However, I attach considerable weight to considerations which you outlined in Todep 127 as favoring meeting of Foreign Ministers and believe that events past few days have given them added importance. I am sure that European Foreign Ministers would be concerned if decisions on such important and far-reaching steps as we are about to put in hand emanated from body other than Council. In this connection, both Pleven and Schuman told me it was most important to them to have joint meeting Foreign and Defense Ministers to take final action on German question.
Furthermore, European NATO officials are obviously disturbed and nervous about Korea and Foreign Ministers will want to know anything which can be told them about prospects of solution of problem.
I realize that above considerations are of secondary importance when confronted with necessity for Secretary’s presence in Washington during present most critical times. I am, therefore, inclined suggest that Council meeting be held with such Foreign Ministers as can attend.
I have not as yet fully considered the possibility which you suggest of Big Three meeting, but believe one will probably be necessary. I [Page 522] am, of course, aware of and concerned about situation in Germany which is becoming more difficult daily.