Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 1

740.5/7–3152: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France ¹

confidential
niact
priority

Washington, August 4, 1952—6:22 p.m.

Topol 64. Ref Polto 99 and Polto 114 Jul 25 and 31.²

Series of tels of which last was Topol 30 Jul 15³ reiterated strong desire here avoid fall NAC min mtg. In view continuing pressure we may now face decision whether despite views Polto 114 we must inform NAC appears impossible for US arrange suitable representation for full scale min mtg before Dec.

NATO proponents of mtg are putting us in embarrassing position and we wish SRE wld make clear to Ismay very informally that US opposition to mtg in Sept or Oct stems from more than belief (which is sincere) that not enough substance for worthwhile mtg of mins before completion AR. Pls tell Ismay that (1) US Cab mins can not commit themselves now to leave US at height election campaign; (2) during that sensitive period it is difficult to predict how much NATO and related EUR matters will be injected into campaign but min mtg wld probably increase risks of this kind; (3) US presidential election campaign is event which regularly every four years for brief period produces certain difficulties and complications in conduct of affairs and NATO partners shld recognize and accept consequence of this. Embs shld explain situation to Eden, Schuman and Pearson along similar lines and seek their support. Eden and Schuman shld be sympathetic to our difficulties in this matter for they have both declined to come to US for opening of GA and have decided to stay away until after election. Incidentally, we doubt if UK or Fr wld wish to have mtg if they were in final stages gen election campaign.

SRE may use foregoing in informal talks with other perm reps (not incl last sentence above except with Brits and Fr). We desire cooperate with others and wld try to meet an emergency situation somehow but no case has been made for an emergency mtg of mins. Separate tel deals with WG mtg Aug 5 which US shld participate in only on distinct understanding no commitment as to date of next mtg.

FYI since it is unlikely agreement cld be reached to sched two mtgs before Christmas, one in Oct and one Dec, we suspect renewal of pressure for early fall mtg is move to delay min mtg to consider AR until new year. This most undesirable for reasons set forth Topol 48 Jul 22⁴ and likely delay such mtg till late Feb or Mar. In any event we doubt very much if Secy who is in Honolulu wld agree make two more trips to Eur before end of year.

We are seriously concerned re this matter and request SRE make every effort persuade Ismay and Perm reps so we may be spared embarrassment of standing alone in NAC in refusing to go along with autumn mtg.⁵

Snyder and Lovett agree with this position and this tel is being rptd to Secy. Harriman is out of town and could not consult him, but he expressed himself previously against a meeting before AR ready for ministerial consideration.⁶

Bruce

1. This telegram, which was drafted by Parsons and cleared by Bonbright, Harriman, Lovett, and Snyder, was transmitted to Paris for the Embassy and Ambassador Draper, and repeated to London, Ottawa, and to Kaneohe, Hawaii for Secretary Acheson who was attending the first ANZUS Council meeting, Aug. 4–6. Documentation on this meeting is presented in volume xii .
2. Neither printed; the former reported that there was general support for an NAC Ministerial meeting in September or October, while in the latter Ambassador Draper stated that he felt the United States should accept the prospect of a ministerial meeting early in the fall. (740.5/7–2552 and 7–3152)
3. Not printed; it reported that the United States was opposed to an NAC Ministerial meeting in September unless the proponents could bring forward substantial reasons indicating that such a meeting could have useful results. (740.5/7–952)
4. Not printed; it reported that delay in considering the annual review would make it impossible to involve NATO plans in the normal U.S. budget timetable. (740.5/7–1852)
5. On Sept. 3, Draper reported that the North Atlantic Council had on that day agreed to hold the ministerial meeting at Paris beginning Dec. 15. (Telegram Polto 250 from Paris; 740.5/8–352)
6. On Aug. 15, Draper reported that he and Merchant were planning a vigorous campaign to complete the annual review by December. (Telegram Polto 170 from Paris; 740.5/7–1852)