750.00/4–1450: Telegram
The United States High Commissioner for Germany (McCloy) to then Secretary of State
priority
162. Personal for the Secretary and Byroade. Have had long talks with Chancellor and Schumacher of which detailed reports will be sent over weekend.1 Clear that former, perhaps with inspiration of latter, now seeking obtain significant concessions in connection; with European Council entry. Whereas formerly Adenauer constantly protested his eagerness to join Western Europe, today he stresses seriousness of the decision, its possible provocative effect on Russia, and the danger of provocation considering the great Russian military strength and the lack of progress in the development of Western strength. He repeated frequently that he was called upon to make a decision of the deepest consequence to his country while blind because of lack of representation as to what was going on in the world. Told him that I agreed it was a heavy and significant decision and one which had to be made according to his best judgment and strength of character, that no concessions or gestures could alter the seriousness of the decision, and for him to suggest that a gesture might determine his judgment on so important a matter was unworthy of him. Clear he has majority if he wishes to employ it—perhaps of 30 or 40—but he does not wish to use it without (1) some concession which will take heat off Schumacher opposition based on Saar and (2) exhausting all possibility of obtaining commitment which would lead to direct and perhaps personal participation in European policy making.
Schumacher did not refer to European Council or Saar, but was most interesting on Berlin and general elections. Stresses large effect of our reemphasis of free elections, particularly in East Zone, and urged follow-up. More on this will follow.
Also significant to me is fact that Robertson advised me he was going to London well in advance of conference, and his intimation that preliminary consideration of the extent to which occupation statute should be amended would probably take place shortly in London. I gather that Kirkpatrick2 favors rather wide abandonment [Page 628] present retained powers, particularly in respect to foreign affairs. This subject must be approached most carefully for once advocated by one of the powers there will be very little chance to hold present position.
Significant also is that Massigli3 reports that Kirkpatrick advised him that British were informed and confident that there would be in the near future a majority vote taken in the Bundestag in favor of nationalization of coal, with not only SPD but left-wing of CDU voting in favor. Cannot as yet appraise the truth of Kirkpatrick’s assertion but French take it seriously and are much alarmed.
- McCloy had had dinner with Adenauer on April 12 and with Schumacher on April 13. The more detailed report was transmitted in telegram 3179, April 17, from Frankfort, not printed (740.00/4–1750).↩
- Sir Ivone A. Kirkpatrick, Permanent Under Secretary of State (German Section), British Foreign Office.↩
- René Massigli, French Ambassador at London.↩