ECA message files, FRC 53A278, Paris: Telegram
The Acting Administrator for Economic Cooperation ( Wood) to the Assistant Administrator for Programs, ECA ( Porter), at Paris1
Torep 6240. Subject—European Manifesto.
1. Recognize difficulty rephrasing manifesto in light of various PC attitudes, but remain most unhappy that statement not more positive and purposeful with strong popular appeal that would warrant enthusiastic official support here and abroad.
2. The big hole in document is that it does not really express a program for future. It is very easy to rely on rapid increase in productivity as salvation of Europe. Real problem is to provide the increased productivity.
3. Major economic objective of early OEEC program—particularly as it was influenced by U.S.—was the single market. The manifesto makes only one weak reference to need for continued trade liberalization, and apparently Brit object even to that. While would not argue that we should continue the single market objective in exactly the form of our early policy recommendations, certainly think the whole concept should be kept alive with appropriate modifications to meet present circumstances. Major weaknesses which concern us are:
- a.
- It does not create an atmosphere of high priority for unity in Europe along lines of Eisenhower speech of July 3 in London.2
- b.
- It does not underscore real progress that had been made towards economic unity in Europe, with particular references to such worthwhile achievements as Managing Board of EPU.
- c.
- It does not stress that now is opportunity of this era for Europe to smash remaining protectionist barriers to intra-European trade.
- d.
- It does not proclaim boldly other things which have to be done, e.g., specific steps to solve the coal problem, so as to overpower opposition of special interests.
- e.
- It does not propose concrete action program to whatever extent is possible in view of Brit opposition.
4. Are troubled by idea of greeting OEEC manifesto with enthusiastic response from Washington when these basic weaknesses not [Page 52] corrected. Is it your judgment that anything effective can be done to improve statement along above lines before it is finalized?
5. This tel. not cleared with State due to time element.