Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, European Security and the German Question, Volume III, Part 1

740.5/3–2951: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford), at London¹

confidential

Washington, March 29, 1951—7 p. m.

Todep 335. On basis discussions which Webb and Cabot had in Europe² and further consideration whole problem here, it is now US Govt view that with agreement to locate FEB in Paris the question of relocation of NAT bodies or OEEC shld be considered as closed, unless and until future operating experience indicates need for further changes.

It is recommended that you inform UK Govt of this position as response to their recent note on this subject.³ You are also authorized to take this position with other NAT representatives and in Deps if you judge it necessary.

Acheson

1. This telegram, repeated to Paris for Katz, was drafted by Martin and cleared by Webb, Cabot, Perkins, Colonel Beebe, Bissell (ECA), and Harriman.
2. See Cabot’s memorandum of March 27 and footnotes thereto, p. 103.
3. The reference here is to the British aide-mémoire quoted in telegram 4802 from London, March 7, p. 87. Gifford informed Attlee of this new position in a letter dated April 4 which he quoted in his telegram 5229 from London, April 4 (740.5/4–451).