700.00(S)/11–2151: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions 1

secret

Infotel. During conversation with Secy in Paris Dutch FonMin Stikker stated that he and his Benelux colleagues were very much confused and worried as result of developments in Paris Conference on Eur Defense Force. He said that subject to overcoming certain constitutional limitations, Dutch Govt favors some form Eur Defense Force, and added that other Benelux countries do too. Stikker said he is principally worried about two points: first, that matter had progressed so slowly, with consequent increasing difficulty in bringing about Ger defense participation; and second, that various proposals advanced by national reps do not seem be grounded in firm govt positions. He said that while discussions are developing plans which seem to be militarily sound, he doubted that they are politically feasible. He said he felt that ultimate solution would have to be full Ger participation in NATO and that sooner this was brought about the better. He left impression that Dutch were not backing out, but were becoming increasingly pessimistic. In outlining to Stikker our reasons for continuing strong support of Eur Defense Force concept, Secy said he felt there was good chance that Conference would work out something politically feasible. He added that while there was little chance that NATO Council meeting this month would have before it firm Eur Defense Force plan, he felt it essential that next meeting in Jan should have such plan. This would give govts opportunity to consider firm proposition and to move forward.

Webb
  1. This message was sent to Brussels, Copenhagen, Lisbon, London, Moscow, Oslo, Reykjavik, and Rome. It is a paraphrase of telegram 2920, November 16, from Paris.