Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Western Europe, Volume III

396.1 LO/5–1850: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State

priority

London, May 18, 1950—10 p. m.

Secto 308. Sixth meeting of Council, afternoon May 18.

1. Acheson in opening meeting said that before turning to discussion of draft Council resolution (see paragraph 10, Secto 298, May 18) he wished to make it completely clear that he was in entire agreement with what Schuman and Bevin had said previous day concerning necessity of ensuring adequate defense against initial attack and meeting aggression with determination. Referring to US redraft (D–4/20 text in separate telegram¹) of the French Resolution revision 2¹), he explained that US draft was an attempt to clarify points which were in minds of Europeans in light of discussion previous day. Schuman thanked Secretary for initial statement which he felt was of utmost importance and withdrew his text in favor of US redraft. He suggested one change which was adopted by the Council, i.e., that subparagraph (e) reading “of how the financial costs arising from the carrying out of these tasks can be most equitably distributed between the various participating nations” be amended by the addition of the words “taking account of their economic and financial condition.” Bevin inquired whether paragraph (e) envisaged establishment of common fund and was assured by Secretary and Schuman that this not involved. With no other discussion of substance, resolution was unanimously adopted as amended.

2. Council then discussed question of communiqué which was approved with minor changes.² Text telegraphed separately. Only point of significance in discussion on communiqué was suggestion by Bevin that sentence be added stating that representatives of countries not members of NATO might be invited to participate in shipping board. He dropped suggestion when Secretary recalled that in discussion in IWG it was felt that publication of this point might lead to too many applicants. Bevin requested however that substantive point be clear in record.

3. Council agreed that next session would be held in US before General Assembly with precise arrangements to be made by deputies. Closed session was then adjourned.

4. Council reconvened shortly thereafter in public session. Secretary opening public session, expressed satisfaction with achievements of meeting³ and read introductory section of communiqué. Other members of council made short statements, text of which released simultaneously to press.

Acheson

1. Not found in Department of State central files or NATO Sub-Registry.
1. Not found in Department of State central files or NATO Sub-Registry.
2. See Department of State Bulletin, May 29, 1950, p. 830.
3. For text of address by Acheson at this final meeting of the North Atlantic Council, see ibid., pp. 829–830. A final statement by Acheson on the overall results of the May meetings of the Foreign Ministers and the North Atlantic Council, released to the press on May 20 on his departure from London, is printed ibid., June 5, 1950, p. 883.