740.5/12–1850: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
priority
987. Defense Committee successfully completed its business at session this morning. USDel Defense Committee cabling summary of meeting to defense and following only highlights:
1. German participation.
French indicated that while joint report of Deputies and MC not perfect in some respects, they accepted it, but wished to make two points:
- (a) Controls in Germany foreseen in Spofford plan should not be relaxed until replaced by some other system.
- (b) German RCT’s might be attached to Allied formations, but should not group themselves together.
Belgium did not believe provision for German aviation wise until interim period foreseen in Spofford plan terminated. Expressed apprehension this would lead revival German aircraft industry and establishment of German civilian airlines. Belgium also made point with respect to paragraph 15 (1) and (2) that while accepting language in this paragraph they felt interpretative comment should be entered in minutes that occupation powers, in negotiations with Germans, should not only keep other NAT countries informed, but that if in their negotiations occupation powers made provisions with Germans beyond those envisaged in report such new provisions should be approved by NAT.
Portuguese expressed belief that Germany and Japan should both be armed to assist in preventing Soviet efforts at world domination and expressed regret that Spain excluded from defense of West.1 After some discussion and very minor language modification report of Deputies and Military Committee on Germany participation was approved by Defense Committee.
2. Integrated force.
There was considerable discussion about the relationship of SG to other NAT bodies. It was finally agreed that this question should receive further study by SG in the light of experience which would be gained in the new military organization in coming period.
French suggested that before supreme commander designated, a specific tenure of duty should be fixed and that it might also be wise to fix an age limit. French based their suggestion on thought that in future it might be desired to change supreme commanders and without [Page 584] some tenure of office specified it would be awkward to make such change. The French also raised the question of who should designate the supreme commander (i. e., that NAT should have final approval of the officer designated by any member government).
US chairman pointed out essential that terms of reference of supreme commander be flexible and that Military Committee provided for such flexibility. Other representatives agreed and Military Committee report on integrated force was approved, it being understood that various suggestions that had been advanced would be noted, but not placed in document.
Secretary Pace’s very able handling of chairmanship contributed greatly, both to success of meeting and keeping it on the tracks.