740.5/8–1551: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Missions in the Other North Atlantic Treaty Countries 1
141. A. In Depto 1045 June 12 Spofford reported talk with Stikker on North Atlantic Community in which Stikker urged development Community concept on wider and longer range basis. He felt Atlantic integration desirable and realistic at pace set by US–UK and hoped admission Gr–Turk to NATO wld not weaken concept. He hoped next mtg NAC might spotlight practical development Atlantic Community as major objective of NATO countries, and said he wld be glad to take initiative in this as far as US wld support. He felt there was much support in Eur and Canada for concept, and inquired whether US wld favor his taking initiative this direction.
B. In Paris ECA tel Repto 3411 July 163 Katz reported informal discussion Stikker and representative group Eur Mins. Gen agreement that apathy and uneasiness about future hampering unity and def program. Agreement also that NATO purposes and def build up had acquired negative character in Eur thinking as unpalatable dose which had to be swallowed, but with uneasy qualms as to consequences for future. Need was to present NATO purposes, policies, and actions positively, as realistic way to promising future, around gen pts as fols:
- 1)
- Increased productivity after capital investment in def requirements cld be turned in end to renewed expansion Eur econ strength and higher standard of living.
- 2)
- Considering period 1947–1957, a balanced time phasing emerges with 1947–50 a period of econ recovery but neglect of def, 1950–54 a consequent intensive def build-up and 1954–57 a period of defensive strength maintained and resumption upward trend in living standards.
- 3)
- Def build-up and econ build-up not only mutually consistent but [Page 245] mutual necessity with mil security essential to econ recovery as no effective planning or investment can be carried on under shadow of possible invasion and war.
Since mtg described, Stikker and Marjolin have discussed this subj informally with various Mins at Strasbourg and also with Katz. Draft statement4 incorporating some of ideas indicated above has been prepared and is now undergoing revision with view to releasing it through some Eur channel such as OEEC, possibly at end Aug. As present draft does not identify danger Sov aggression as cause of fear and need for rearmament, possibility has therefore also been discussed of issuing second statement through NAT Council to (1) endorse previous Eur statement and (2) develop more fully underlying polit facts and implications. Although matter is still in formative stage, Dept impressed with possibilities.
C. You will recognize that (A) and (B) are separate subjs but both are related to basic long-term interest of strengthening NATO. If we encourage development of (A), which is in itself desirable, it serves to demonstrate our interest in wider, long-term objectives of NATO and so may be timely and helpful in counteracting any disadvantageous effects of US pressure regarding Grk and Turk, US interest in Spain, etc. Para B, on other hand, is primarily directed at generating more positive Eur leadership and demonstrating that Eur countries have clear responsibility and interest of their own in providing initiative and drive to accomplish def build-up.
Accordingly, with respect to (A), you may tell Stikker his comments were warmly recd here. If he has any ideas on ways community concept might be developed at NAT mtg, we wld be pleased have him take initiative, though, of course, cannot commit US to support any specific proposals in advance. However, glad to discuss any ideas whenever he so wishes. Re (B), OSR is working closely with Stikker and Marjolin.
D. Similarly, whenever gen subjs these reftels come up in discussions with NATO Govts, our reps shld indicate US definitely interested in Atlantic Community concept as well as need of positive Eur attitude toward NATO and def build-up. They shld assist in generating ideas for consideration and development. We wld appreciate reporting on ideas and your own comments these subjs.
FYI Dept now endeavoring to study and develop specific actions to be taken in connection with Sept Council mtg and after to (1) counteract any incorrect or adverse impressions arising out of our attitude on Grk-Turk, Spain and other questions on which mil necessity has played large role and (2) work toward long-term and wider [Page 246] objectives of NATO for development and well being of cooperative Atlantic Community. Present tel represents step that direction.