740.5/10–2351: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Canada 1
116. Is Canad position Parliament not to approve Gr-Turk Protocol until US, UK and Fr have all ratified (3rd para Ottawa tel 68, Oct 22)2? US was unable submit Protocol to Senate this session because time insufficient prior adjournment. Thus, whereas all others can act before Rome mtg, US ratification impossible before Jan. This delay highly regrettable in light need to develop and finalize at earliest possible moment plans for Gr and Turk participation NATO. It is also [Page 602] unfortunate in light effort establish MEC soonest. If delay caused by fact Senate in recess is further prolonged by unwillingness other NATO nations to act prior to US, serious setback to NATO and ME planning possible and much value of Ottawa decision on Gr–Turk may be lost.
US intends submit Protocol as soon as Senate convenes again and to press vigorously for prompt action. Preliminary soundings with members Fon Relations Comite favorable and no serious opposition to ratification now anticipated. Suggest you discuss matter with External Affairs expressing hope Canad action may precede rather than follow US. Prompt action by Canad cld be very helpful in keeping up momentum and influencing NAT members complete requisite action with their Parliaments.3
- Drafted by Parsons of RA. Cleared by BNA, GTI, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Affairs. Repeated to London.↩
- Not printed.↩
- In telegram 74 from Ottawa of October 26, Ambassador Woodward stated that Foreign Minister Pearson was unwilling to request Parliamentary ratification of the Greek-Turkish Protocol before action by Congress because a lead by Canada “wld be paradox when protocol involves new mil commitment assumed at US instance altho Canada has only remote interest ME defense and plays no part in MEC.” Pearson assured Woodward that once Congress ratified the Protocol, the Canadian Parliament, which would be sitting at the same time, would swiftly follow (740.5/10–2651). In telegram Depto 630 of November 16, Spofford in London reported that Pearson had reconfirmed this commitment. Chargé Hughes in Iceland reported in telegram 80 that the Icelandic Parliament had passed a resolution authorizing the government to ratify the Protocol. On December 14, Howard Trivers, the First Secretary at Copenhagen, reported in Despatch 517 that Denmark planned to ratify immediately after action by Congress, and Consul William Trimble at The Hague stated in telegram 599 that the Netherlands Government was taking the first steps toward ratification which would probably occur before the end of January. (740.5/11–1651; 12–1451)↩