740.5/12–550: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
priority
3097. For Bruce and Spofford.1 Re telecon2 with Paris today on draft letter to Schuman. Following is a new draft (which Secretary has not yet seen) which takes into consideration your comments of today. Would appreciate soonest any further comments you may have:
“In connection with the successful termination of the London meetings, on the subject of the creation of an integrated military force for the defense of Europe, I shld like to express the satisfaction felt by my Govt in this accomplishment.
As I have said to you on more than one occasion in the past, the US has given every evidence in statements, actions, and treaties of the depth and permanence of its interest in Europe, its support for closer European association, its willingness to cooperate with Europe. That this will continue and increase, is, I am convinced, the will of the American people.
If your Govt in close consultation with the German and other European Govts who wish to participate can evolve the main outlines of a plan for bringing the free nations of Europe more closely together in the spirit so well represented by the Schuman Plan, we can reasonably hope for long term solutions of many of our problems, be they political, military or economic.
[Page 524]I do not need to remind you of the attitude which the Govt of the US has displayed on innumerable occasions, and in many forms, toward European integration. My Govt strongly favors it. If the European countries can work it out in a practical manner, a sound basis would be laid upon which military and economic strength can be built. A rallying point will be created around which a free and civilized Europe can muster its energies for a successful defense of its beliefs and the traditions of its history.
We know you also agree with us that it is of great importance to press forward vigorously with the strengthening of the NATO. We are convinced that the broad framework of the Atlantic Community, embracing a strong Europe, is an essential part of the free world structure and the attainment of global security under the United Nations.
We welcome your Govt’s initiative in calling a conference of the interested European powers to consider how the French proposals might best be implemented. If invited to attend such a conference, the Govt of the US would be happy to send an observer or observers who will assist as may be appropriate in these important deliberations the progress of which our Govt will follow with keen interest.”
FYI only. Because of Attlee’s presence,3 cld not avoid discussing matter with British. They felt they must refer matter to London because of Bevin’s speech in Parliament. They promised to get us their comments tomorrow. This probably means no chance of answer reaching Paris before Thursday.