Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, European Security and the German Question, Volume III, Part 1

740.5/8–851: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford), at London¹

secret
priority

Washington, August 17, 1951—8 p. m.

Todep 113. Ref Depto 171, Aug 8,² and also RA memo, Aug 9,³ pouched Achilles.

1. Dept greatly interested ideas in ref papers and suggests fol action as possible means of practical development. Wld appreciate your comments and leave to your judgment extent to which various ideas in ref papers shld be used for background in informal discussion with other Deps.

2. We consider program of polit and informational action important both from standpoint of (1) short-term objective of counteracting impressions that we regard NATO merely as mil anti-Sov bloc and (2) long-term objective of carrying out non-mil objectives, especially those implicit in Art 2 of NAT. This tel will not deal with related most important consideration that long-term polit development of NATO Community has significant relationship to problem of Eur integration to which EDF, Schuman Plan,⁴ etc., seems to be giving genuine impetus. However, this basic problem is in background our thinking as is also need for forestalling and counteracting any impression here or abroad that US interest in Eur extends only to that date in future when Eur can stand on its own feet militarily and that we are now looking forward to not too distant time when we can bring our troops home and return to pre World War II relation to Europe.

3. Ideas set forth in ref tel and memo fall into two categories—those which can be discussed now with view to action during Sept NAC mtg and those which require further study and lead to action over long-term. We believe numbered paras 1, 2, and 3 of Depto 171 can well be fitted into proposed action at NAC which is set forth below; likewise paras 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 of RA memo. Para 5 of latter requires further exploration here. Para 1 relates to circtel 141, Aug 15.⁵

4. As result our consideration these various ideas, our current thinking is that US action shld center around statement by Sec at Sept NAC in which he wld (1) reaffirm US interest in wider and long-term objectives NATO, and (2) propose special agenda item this subj. In this connection wld like your view as to whether Sec’s statement cld be made when item 2 “agreement on agenda” (Depto 205, Aug 15⁶) comes up for discussion, or whether it wld be preferable for you to tell Depts that US wishes propose new item and have it included in suggested agenda which CD’s will begin to consider Aug 20. Sec cld then make his statement before NAC when this agenda item is reached. We here prefer latter course of action, although former may have some advantages from standpoint maximum impact and publicity.

5. Sec’s statement reaffirming our long-term interest in all aspects NATO cld draw on ideas developed in your talks with Cabot and Jessup on genl subj of strengthening NATO. Sec’s statement wld also be written with objectives in mind which are listed in sub-paras A through F of RA memo. Possibility of expanding coordination in fon policy matters (para 3, Depto 171, and para 7, RA memo) wld also be referred to. However, key note of Sec’s statement wld be proposal that NAC take action at Ottawa create Council “Advisory Subcommittee on non-mil Objectives” composed of small group FonMins (with chairman from one of small Eur countries, possibly Stikker) to promote long-term objectives of NATO, including most especially implementation Art 2 of NAT. Stikker’s ideas (Depto 1045⁷ and Dept circtel 141, Aug 15) re Atlantic integration cld be further developed by this group. Finally, as specific tasks, subcomite cld examine immediately after Sept mtg with a view to action at Oct mtg⁸ fol measures:

(a) Establishment NATO Advisory comite and natl comites to further certain Art 2 objectives (Depto 171, para 2).

(b) Measures to expand scope of fon policy questions on which exchanges of views cld become accepted practice and also companion project of expanding inter-change of info on regular basis among member (Depto 171, para 3 and RA memo, para 7).

(c) Other measures as developed prior to, or during, Sept NAC mtg.

(d) Recommendation as to whether or not Subcomite itself shld be permanent body.

6. As prelim task and achievement to be brought before Council for approval and subsequent publication at close of Ottawa mtg, Subcomite might draft “declaration of intention” somewhat along lines set forth ref docs but which wld also include as evidence of determination to move forward in this field, announcement of its own creation. This statement cld also endorse and develop further report which we understand wld have been by that date issued through OEEC on initiative of Stikker and Marjolin.

7. We shld particularly appreciate your reaction to idea of Council Subcomite to work primarily in Art 2 field. We shld not wish this group to take over any functions of CD or detract from its prestige. On other hand, creation of group such as this in which FonMins of smaller members cld play prominent role seems to us to present many advantages and, as it wld not be mtg constantly, it wld not be likely to interfere in any way with work of CD. It might even be desirable and feasible for you or your Dep to sit in this group as a member, ex officio, by virtue your position as chairman of Deps.

8. While Departmental thinking still tentative in respect much of foregoing, there is clear recognition of need for action because of likelihood that at Ottawa there will be concerted effort (1) to seek reassurance from US as to where we are really trying to go and (2) to take some action to reaffirm the “North Atlantic Concept”. In such circumstances it wld be far more effective for us to take initiative ourselves.

Webb

1. Repeated to Paris. Drafted by Parsons (RA); cleared by Jessup and Matthews and cleared in substance by Cabot (S/ISA), Martin (EUR), and Ferguson (S/P).
2. Ante, p. 238.
3. Memorandum by Parsons, p. 240.
4. For documentation on the plan for a European coal and steel community, see volume iv .
5. Ante, p. 244.
6. Not printed; it presented and discussed a draft agenda for the North Atlantic Council meeting at Ottawa scheduled for September (740.5/8–1551).
7. Not found.
8. The eighth session of the North Atlantic Council tentatively scheduled for October was held in Rome, November 24–28. For documentation, see pp. 693 ff