Editorial Note
On August 3, McCloy despatched a long telegram, eyes only, for Acheson and Byroade positing his solution to the problem of the defense of Western Europe. In particular he stated the position and role the Federal Republic of Germany would have to play within this context. This telegram began an exchange of communications between London, Paris, Frankfort, and Washington concerning the defense of Western Europe, and the question of German rearmament became merged in this larger issue. For the text of McCloy’s telegram (No. 962) and further documentation on the defense of Western Europe and German rearmament, see volume III, page 180 and pages 1 ff.