Office of the Historian

740.5/9–2551: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1

secret
priority
Washington, October 2, 1951—8 p. m.

1945. From Harriman for MacArthur. Re Embtel 1869, Sept 25.2

1. Hope send to all concerned within next few days gen outline our current thinking on conduct NATO Temporary Council Comite (TCC) work now scheduled begin in Paris Oct 9.

2. Among other contributions on mil side, it will certainly be neces for whole TCC generally and Exec Bureau of three in more detail to be thoroughly briefed on basis of stated mil force requirements, factors governing their time-phasing, including target date, gen strategic concepts underlying them, and probable effects of varying degrees of short-fall or deferral in mtg them either qualitatively or quantitatively. [Page 292] In addition, appraisal of mil manpower raising and training bottlenecks will undoubtedly be one of central issues (along with production and gen financial limitations) in determining “realistic politico-economic capabilities” with which TCC is charged.

3. It may well be suggested at TCC first mtg that project shld be initiated through a gen briefing on basis and nature of mil requirements, which shld go as far as security limitations make feasible. Understand Lindsay will be available assist TCC on behalf SG, will be prepared state SG background these matters on NATO-wide basis, and is planning discuss with SACEUR on Oct 6. Wld expect SHAPE deal with problems Eur theatre, which is of course central concern of most TCC members.

4. Cld briefing materials be prepared next few days so that, if desired, gen presentation on lines sketched above cld be made Oct 9 or 10?

5. TCC will also need assistance on possible size Ger force contribution. Assume in addition such SG views as may be available SHAPE’S work this field in connection Paris Conference will also be available for TCC.3

6. Arriving Paris mid-morning Sun, Oct 7, and hope discuss these and related problems with Eisenhower late Sun or Mon.

7. Have discussed this msg with Adm Wright who is in accord but it has not been discussed with other SG members. Expect informal discussion with them this week. [Harriman.]

Webb
  1. Drafted by Gordon of the White House staff and cleared with Harriman, Colonel Beebe of Defense, and Martin and Parsons of RA.↩
  2. Not printed; it requested that SHAPE be kept informed of Harriman’s thinking about how the TCC would conduct its efforts since SHAPE would have to assist in these efforts. (740.5/9–2551)↩
  3. For documentation on the Paris Conference, see pp. 755 ff.↩