740.5/12–651: Telegram
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Trimble) to the Acting Secretary of State 1
573. During call Stikker yesterday afternoon I inquired to his impression Rome mtg NATO FonMins. He replied that as he had told Chapin and me two weeks ago (Embtel 507 Nov 20 rptd Brussels 37 Paris for Usdel 892) had not expected much and therefore not been disappointed. Mtg he continued had not only been far too large but also there been inadequate preparation with consequence that relatively little constructive been achieved.
Stikker said continued support EDC concept primarily I gathered because it backed US. However Fr overloading it with polit stipulations to detriment in his opinion early estab effective Eur Def which wld naturally necessitate active Ger participation. These requirements present serious constitutional problems for several countries in particular Belg. It wld be nec amend Belg constitution action which wld require new elections and present Belg Govt opposed holding them for time being. Sitn not as difficult case Neth as elections scheduled next year which time constitutional amendment required for EDC cld also be voted on. Stikker said seriously questioned whether Fr Parl wld ratify EDC Treaty basing his observations on remark that effect which Maurice Schumann recently made to him. He stated that in talks Rome on EDF between Benelux FonMins on one hand and Secs Schuman and Eden on other he had adopted what might be considered as obstructive attitude but had done so not only preserve Benelux unity but also and more important to point up difficulties reaching agrmt re EDF basis provisions which Fr insisting be included plan. Stikker recalled he been among first to propose inclusion Ger contingents in West Def Force. He continued be firmly that opinion and also had made it clear Neth considered FedRep shld be admitted NATO on status full equality with other members. This in [Page 952] his view was only logical way in which West cld gain useful Ger coop def Eur. Moreover believed all other members with single exception Fr wld be agreeable such step. For example Lange had told him few days ago Nor wld support move and he also ascertained it wld be acceptable Dan.
Turning to current sitn Ger Stikker expressed regret contractual arrangements been presented Benelux as fait accompli. Likewise critical phraseology UN Res FedRep GDE plebiscite characterizing it as negative in that it merely calls for inquiry into possibility of holding elections. Indicated certain concern Sov wld agree to holding elections on condition West Powers in turn wld agree Gers shld same time vote neutrality issue and in this connection asserted neutrality sentiment appears be growing alarming rate FedRep.
Stikker concluded conversation with remark effect he did not see how much real progress cld be made estab West Def Force next few months despite obvious necessity this be done soon as possible.
- This telegram was repeated for information to Paris, London, Bonn, and Brussels.↩
- Not printed. It reported that Dutch Foreign Minister Stikker had told Ambassador Chapin that he felt that the forthcoming Eighth Session of the North Atlantic Council in Rome and the session scheduled for Lisbon in early 1952 would probably accomplish little that was constructive. With respect to the projected European Defense Force Stikker observed that there was no general meeting of the minds and little likelihood of reaching one in the near future. Stikker noted that France and Belgium were at extreme ends with the Italians and Dutch in the middle. He pointed out that the Netherlands, which had joined the European Defense Community conference primarily because of Belgium’s urgings, found itself in a position of attempting to moderate the Belgian position and to persuade Belgium to remain in the conference. (740.5/11–2051)↩