740.00/11–2251: Telegram
The Consul at Strasbourg ( Andrews) to the Acting Secretary of State 1
57. Ref Contel 51 to Dept., 10 to Paris.2 In past two days conf bet USDel and CEDel has made great strides and has developed debates significant for frank but friendly expressions conflicting US and Eur viewpoints and also significant for their seriousness enthusiasm and originality. High caliber of speeches and interjections has been notable, particularly on American side. Eurs have relished rather than resented US prodding for quicker unification Eur. Success of conf attested to by comments not only by Eur dels Secretariat officials and other observers but also by US dels who at first seemed pessimistic re purpose and outcome of mtg. Speeches and statements of Humphrey and Judd have been particularly commended by Eurs. Importance of federation thirteen states and adoption constitution as an example and incentive to Eur has been overemphasized by Amer dels with result that European dels have dwelt at length on differences between two situations and difficulties confronting Eur union. Nevertheless Amer frankness of expression and freshness of ideas has contributed in large measure to success of conf.
After Reynaud’s speech afternoon twentieth in reply to Smith’s request Neth’s del Van De Kieft, stated his govt’s official view as initially federalist and later functionalist upon acceptance that approach by CE adding that altho he attached high value to sympathy and encouragement Schuman plan by UK he wld prefer actual support and collaboration and that Eur army cld be formed even without participation UK. As to what US cld do Neth’s del asked for understanding and indication of Amer program after expiration Marshall aid. In forceful speech Judd stressed point that today Western Eur faced choice between union by voluntary federation and union by involuntary compulsion such as had happened in Eastern Eur and that question was not “whether” but “how” to federate Eur. Stating that altho unable to predict [Neth?] likely join any Western Eur Federation it wld not join such federation unless Great Britain at least belonged.
[Page 68]General debate on first item agenda concluded afternoon twentieth.
Morning 21st Brit Socialist Hall opened debate on “econ and social aspects of rearmament” Important points his speech were: Denial that purpose present mtg was for Eur obtain greater financial help from US than wld be otherwise obtained; that UK is allotting for defense 82 men per thousand as compared with 74 in US, that US can assist Eur by placing armament orders in Eur, by backing up Pres Truman’s Point Four program, by ensuring equitable distribution and price stability of raw materials, by reducing Amer tariffs; that in return Eur cld increase production and supply certain key raw materials.
After asserting that US had by act and deed made itself at least morally a basic party to objectives Consultative Assembly Hendrickson urged Atlantic fed union as advocated by more than fourth of Senate and House.
In reply Cox asserted that it wld be wiser to fuse organizations into Council Eur than to set up new organizations to deal with world wide problems. Cox statement strongly supported by Boothby who added that two existing effective organizations (CD and NATO) shld ultimately be brought together.
In reply to Hall, Keating, Cox and Judd said that US cld and shld place orders for armaments in Eur.
In afternoon Benton expressed sympathy with Hall’s points concerning the purchase armaments in Eur, Point Four program and raw materials but with regard reduction Amer tariffs attacked Eur restrictive trade practices and cartels.
In vigorous address Humphrey recognized Eur difficulties but made a strong plea for further Eur efforts. He commented that “sooner or later men such as are assembled here will have the wisdom to sign a declaration of interdependence. Either we come to that or we lose independence”. Debate on econ aspects and effects rearmament closed and Wiley opened debate on “Pol aspects of Joint defense of Eur: essence his speech was that we need a positive ideal in defending ourselves against Communism. Debate was continued this morning and will be reported later along with debate on two other specific items: “Dollar gap; trade between Western and Eastern Eur” and “refugees and emigration”. Tomorrow general debate will be resumed and it is hoped that business of conf will be finished tomorrow evening or Saturday morning.