740.5/6–2151: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
6719. Eyes only for the Secretary (no distribution except as directed). This is message referred to in Embtel 6718.1 Present conditions clearly indicate that the only practical method available to free nations for deterring aggression on the part of the Kremlin is rearmament. And rearmament must be on a scale to make the Kremlin recognize that any aggressive action can only result in disaster for the Soviet.
The decision to rearm was made by the NATO nations with the greatest reluctance; but having made that decision the speed of rearmament becomes a matter of top priority. Every hour is important, because until a realistic posture of defense is attained, there is always a possibility that the Kremlin, in the rash hope for a quick victory, might start its armies marching toward the Atlantic. With that situation in mind, any avoidable delay is inadmissible.
The speed with which such a realistic posture of defense can be achieved rests on unity of effort among the free nations of Western Europe, and the unity between those nations and the US. Unity of purpose and action between the UK and the US is particularly vital.
[Page 192]In the past, the kind of unity needed today has come only after war has forced friendly nations to join in common cause. The free world should not have to suffer again the devastation of a general war; therefore it is imperative that we achieve unity here and now.
Fortunately, through NATO and the OEEC the free nations have acquired valuable new experience in working together in peacetime. Much has been accomplished in the past several months toward building NATO into an effective agency for mutual defense. The foundation has been laid for startlingly rapid progress from now on provided the next logical step is taken:
The establishment in NATO of a unified command.
Such a unified command holds the greatest promise that the necessary combined defense effort will reach maximum effectiveness in the shortest possible time.
Two principal responsibilities would fall to such a command:
- 1.
- Overall authority for developing plans for direct submission to the Council of Ministers.
- 2.
- Overall authority for executing whatever programs might finally be approved by the member govts.
Clearly the assignment of such responsibility would not call for any additional surrender of sovereignty by any nation.
The man to take such a command is of course General Eisenhower. He is one of the few men living today—and possibly the only man—who is held in great respect and affection by the people in and out of government, both in the US and Europe. His capacity for inspiring leadership can scarcely be challenged.
The essence of this proposal is unified command of all the free nations efforts to maintain peace. This is the one best way of assuring that we will not be forced to join in a unified command for war.
The strengthening and unifying of the defense organization of Western Europe is sure to receive a most favorable response in the US. Should proposals to this come from British quarters the result would seem certain to be a notable bettering of UK–US relationships.
- Supra.↩