663.001/11–1951: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Acting Secretary of State 1
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2974. For Williamson from Perkins.2 We are considering suggesting to Secretary, as basis for possible compromise with Fr on Aust treaty tactics, that he propose following variant of Alternative 2:
Deputies wld meet at early date (tactics to be ironed out between Secretary, Schuman and Eden on Wednesday), with no substantial change in position and with expected renewed failure to come to agreement. At end of session, we wld state that we expected Deputies to be convoked again in near future.
After adjournment, the three Western Deputies wld then remain in session, with public announcement to the effect that they were exploring together basis for new simplified approach to Austrian treaty problem. (That meeting of Deputies wld perhaps meet Fr proposal in fifth para their aide-mémoire as per Embtel 2963 Nov 17.3 Announcement of its purpose wld get principle of new approach on record.) Western Deputies wld then proceed to draft abbreviated treaty or its equivalent.
We feel that some compromise will have to be reached with Fr position on Aust treaty tactics, and above may offer them satisfaction while preserving principles of abbreviated treaty that we have been advancing to them.
[Page 1173]Gruber is seeing Secretary at 5 p.m. today.4 Would appreciate your comments on above by telephone before that time if possible. [Perkins.]