740.5/4–2050: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
top secret
Paris, April 20,
1950—8 p. m.
1827. Eyes only for the Secretary.
- 1.
- Until Bidault returns, it will not be possible to obtain any clearer idea than revealed in his speech1 of exactly what he had in mind in regard to the creation of an “Atlantic High Council for Peace.” In the circumstances, and after consultation with Bohlen. I have decided [Page 58] that it would be wise for me to postpone my trip to North Africa which I have done without embarrassment to the French officials concerned. Remaining here, I will have an opportunity to talk to Bidault and explore what he has in mind as well as make any suggestions on this subject which the Department might desire to have me make in preparation for the Secretary’s visit. Also, Bohlen will then be free to go over to London whenever he is needed by Jessup2 and Perkins.
- 2.
- However, before we take any further soundings with French concerning this idea, I would appreciate some expression of Department’s general view as to whether or not this project is to be encouraged (of course, without any commitment as to your final attitude) or discreetly discouraged in its formative stages.
- 3.
- If we desire to have the French come forward during the Secretary’s visit and at London with some plan for the implementation of Bidault’s idea, I believe that an informal indication at this stage that the US would be prepared to consider it sympathetically would afford us an opportunity of influencing the type of plan, as yet entirely vague, which the French might produce.
- 4.
- If you see any merit in the general concept advanced by Bidault and if the US would be prepared to discuss its participation therein, we see here considerable advantage in allowing the French to obtain the prestige of having been the originators. A French sponsored scheme of this kind might well afford us the opportunity of attempting a serious step towards the genuine integration of Germany into the Atlantic community. It is possible that the French would be prepared to accept German membership in some such body provided of course that the US itself was a member.
- 5.
- Specifically, I would like to have your instructions on what line to take with the French in regard to the concept as a whole and if your reply is favorable any suggestions that you might have for guiding the development of the specific plan which they intend to draw up for the May meetings and also what views, if any, I should express in regard to the inclusion of West Germany.
From what Bohlen has told me of the various lines of Departmental thinking concerning US relationship towards West European integration, I realize that it may be difficult to give a final answer to many of the questions raised in this message, but I do feel that Bidault’s suggestion, unless the whole idea is totally unacceptable, may offer an opportunity to influence French policy, particularly in regard to problem of Germany.
Bruce