740.5/12–2050
The Secretary of State to the French Minister for Foreign Affairs (Schuman)
Dear Mr. Schuman: In connection with the successful termination of the North Atlantic Council meetings, on the subject of the creation of an integrated military force for the defense of Europe, I should like to express the satisfaction felt by my Government in this accomplishment.
As I have said to you on more than one occasion in the past, the United States 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 [Page 606] with Europe. That this will continue and increase, is, I am convinced, the will of the American people.
If your Government in close consultation with the German and other European Governments 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.
I do not need to remind you of the attitude which the Government of the United States has displayed on innumerable occasions, and in many forms, toward European integration. My Government 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 primary importance to press forward vigorously with the strengthening of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 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 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 United States would be happy to send an observer or observers and will do its best to assist in bringing its deliberations to a successful conclusion.
Sincerely yours,