740.5/12–2251: Telegram
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Trimble) to the Secretary of State 1
631. I called on Stikker by appointment this morning. He said that he was greatly disturbed by what he described as Fr efforts to tie into EDC matters not immediately related to rapid build-up Western European defense. Reasons for his concern were well known to us and there was no need to repeat them now (he presumably was referring to his statements at Rome meeting of NATO FonMins and views expressed by Neth del in EDC discussions Paris). However, he wished me to [Page 979] know that Neth cabinet divided on EDC issue and while he himself would continue to support concept, he must constantly bear in mind three important considerations:
In first place Stikker said he realized that from short-range viewpoint EDC offered best possibility for early creation effective Eur defense establishment, since Fr would not agree at this time to preferable solution involving admission Ger FedRep to NATO. Secondly he was concerned about possible cooperation with Benelux partners as basic objective Neth foreign policy. Therefore, if one of them such as Belg should refuse to take part in EDC, then Neth would also be forced to abstain. Equally, if Dutch should be unwilling to associate themselves with EDC, then Belg would probably take same position.
Finally Stikker said he was particularly concerned that progress development Atlantic Community was not keeping pace with that in proposed EDC. He had wholeheartedly subscribed to statement in Ottawa last Sept on Atlantic Community. He was worried, however, that developments in Paris re EDC seemed to be proceeding along somewhat different channels. EDC should definitely be subordinate to NATO, but Paris discussions have tended to place NATO in background and concomitantly to bring continental as opposed to Atlantic concept more and more to foreground. Continuation of this development would ultimately have effect of destroying balance of power relationship between Fr on one hand and smaller nations of Eur on the other.
In this connection Stikker said he was also worried about changes in status Ger FedRep which would result from contractual arrangements and abolition IAR. These changes in relationship between three occupying powers and FedRep would necessarily mean that former would have far less control over FedRep than in past, in particular industries essential to Ger rearmament, without compensatory increase in overall authority Atlantic Community. At same time by joining EDC Benelux powers would commit themselves to consider attack on FedRep as an attack on themselves. In other words Benelux would in effect be required to subscribe to the tripartite declaration re FedRep and Berlin on Sept 19, 1950 in a continental as opposed to Atlantic Community sense. Under circumstances Stikker considered it essential that progress in developing EDC should be accompanied by further strengthening of North Atlantic Community which would make it entirely clear that former was not only integral part of but also subordinate to latter.
At conclusion conversation Stikker asked me to convey his views my govt, adding in this connection that he had also discussed them at some length with Eden when he saw him yesterday.
Seems obvious from foregoing that notwithstanding assurances US has given and actions it has taken past five years, Dutch still have [Page 980] qualms re possibility recrudescence US isolationism with consequence that they might be thrown to Fr or Ger wolves. Illogicality their attitude as illustrated Stikker’s attempt to differentiate between tripartite commitment FedRep and their own as prospective members EDC attributable to their neutrality tradition, which despite lesson of 1940, has not entirely disappeared, and to insular psychology of small power. Stikker, however, who is more internationally minded than his colleagues and more aware of facts of life, is in position to exercise considerable influence in determination of Dutch policy. In circumstances, therefore, suggest advisability personal message to Stikker from Secy reassuring him of our full support North Atlantic Community concept and of our view that EDC, far from being inconsistent with it, is regarded by US as necessary adjunct to NATO and indirect interest all its members.2 Believe similar assurances by Eden would also be helpful.
- This telegram was repeated for information to Paris, London, Brussels, and Bonn.↩
- Telegram 3734, December 29, to Paris, not printed, transmitted a personal message from Assistant Secretary Perkins to Ambassador Bruce observing that Trimble’s suggestion for a personal message from the Secretary of State to Foreign Minister Stikker might be useful. Perkins asked Bruce for his views on what might be included in such a letter. (740.5/12–2251)↩