Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 2

No. 579

740.5/11–851: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the Tripartite Foreign Ministers Meeting, at Paris¹

secret

Washington, November 8, 1951—2:47 p.m.

Tosec 19. Dept has tried unsuccessfully since Wash talks at which you made initial recommendation to obtain agreement US proposal abbreviated text in effort break stalemate Aust Treaty (Deptel 2576, Oct 31 to Paris and previous²). Failure reach agreement due primarily Fr reluctance take any step to alter status quo which they prefer and secondarily because of Br position which differs from ours in tactical approach although agreeing in principle that an abbreviated treaty text shld be proposed to Sovs (London’s 2202, Nov 6³). Details contained in NOV D–11a, Nov 1,⁴ copies which now in Paris.

Secretary Acheson arrived in Paris on November 2 to participate in discussions with the Foreign Ministers of France and the United Kingdom as well as to attend the Sixth Session of the U.N. General Assembly.

Failure West take some positive step is becoming increasingly embarrassing in light FonMin announcement over two months ago their intention make “new and resolute effort” conclude Treaty. Moreover, in absence agreement on program we are unable reply recent Aust note requesting US to call a mtg of Treaty Deps. Aust note has been fully publicized and copy sent to Sovs. Considered essential that tripartite agreement tactics be reached prior Dep mtg in order avoid unfortunate propaganda effect of another fruitless mtg, particularly after FonMin announcement referred to.

If you have opportunity it is recommended you raise issue during separate or joint talks with Eden and Schuman in an effort obtain their agreement US proposal.

Webb

1. Drafted by Allen and cleared with Williamson and Bonbright; repeated to London, Moscow, Vienna, and Frankfurt for Reber.
2. Not printed.
3. Telegram 2022 informed the Department of State that Eden approved the British Foreign Office position paper which supported in principle the introduction of the abbreviated treaty provided the Western Powers did not abandon the present draft treaty. (663.001/11–651)
4. NOV D–11a, “Austrian Treaty,” was prepared by a Steering Group in the Department of State as a briefing paper for the Tripartite Foreign Ministers meetings in November. It is essentially a revision of WFM T–7b, Document 549. (CFM files, lot M–88, box 159).