740.5/3–651: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State 1
Depto 597. Deputies seventeenth meeting March 6.
[Here follow a comment on reports presented by the Working Group of Twelve and a brief account of a report made by William R. Herod, Coordinator of North Atlantic Defense Production, on first steps being taken to build an international staff for the DPB and to set priorities in the planning and speeding of defense production.]
3. French deputy opened discussion on his paper on economic consequences of rearmament (Depto 560)2 by emphasizing that he had no intention infringing upon responsibilities and functions OEEC, and only desired reinforce its activities. If CD kept properly informed deputies might be able to intervene from time to time with governments to secure implementation of OEEC recommendations affecting successful carrying out defense effort. This position supported in principle by almost all deputies. Netherlands deputy proposed that CD be kept informed of OEEC activities by WG of 12, and requested comments on this proposal from Roll, who stated his belief that such arrangement would be practicable and helpful to CD. This proposal again supported by most deputies, with French deputy suggesting reports also cover developments in Washington raw materials organization, and with UK deputy raising question of whether, when international staff organized, this reporting function might not become a staff job. CD then accepted chairman’s proposal that specific arrangements for obtaining such reports be worked out between him and chairman WG of 12, but chairman emphasized interim character such arrangements, expressed his belief these not adequate on permanent basis, and announced his intention present further concrete suggestions soonest possible. At close of discussion Canadian deputy referred to deputies’ responsibilities under article 2 but supported OEEC considerations, at least temporarily, of broad economic and financial problems raised in Alphand paper, on grounds avoiding duplication, OEEC technical competence, inclusion non-NATO members, and because international action on such problems more feasible in European context than if short-term attempt made now to secure full participation Canada and US.
[Page 82][Here follows an account of discussion concerning national military service, mobilization, and training procedures.]
Next meeting March 8.