740.5/12–750: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
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3232. Eyes only for the Secretary. Delivered to Schuman today unsigned letter embodying language Deptel 3097 with following changes;
- 1.
- Substitution word “primary” for word “great” in next to last paragraph, first sentence.
- 2.
- Last paragraph reading “we warmly welcome your government’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 Government of the US would be happy to send an observer or observers and will do its best to assist in bringing its deliberations to a successful conclusion.” You will note in last paragraph we eliminated words “and how the suitable political institutions can be established for this further step toward European integration”.1
Schuman expressed himself as deeply gratified above language. Will immediately notify Alphand London to go ahead but will not give Alphand text. He says he is very concerned about security of this [Page 528] paper and will keep it in his personal possession until time comes for it to be published, which time will be set by agreement between Secretary and himself or between Spofford and Alphand. He understands perfectly that letter can only be used in event complete agreement reached in London on various aspects of subject under consideration.
Schuman expects to answer Secretary’s original letter2 tonight.
Schuman asked that I tell Secretary that in his personal opinion if conference in London successful only possibility of obtaining German cooperation German rearmament is through further European integration approach.
Sent Department 3232, repeated info London 786 (eyes only for Spofford and Holmes), Frankfort 368 (eyes only for McCloy).