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

700.00 (S)/2–852: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions ¹

secret

Washington, February 8, 1952—7:56 p.m.

Infotel. In view of death of King George² Brit FonSecy Eden has proposed revised timetable for forthcoming meetings of US–UK–French FonMins and North Atlantic Council, and we have agreed to his suggestions. New timetable calls for meetings of three FonMins, possibly with Chancellor Adenauer, Feb 16, 18, and 19 in London and meetings of North Atlantic Council Feb 20–23 in Lisbon. We have informed Spofford that we are most anxious to impress on all NATO countries urgency of concluding meeting of Council in Lisbon by Feb 23. We have pointed out that Cabinet Mins from US all have dates for hearings before Congress and that if they cannot leave at that time it will seriously impair their presentations. Therefore we consider it important to cut program to bone and not permit ceremonials which might interfere with work being done efficiently and expeditiously. If sufficient progress is made on Ger problems, Chancellor Adenauer will join meeting of three FonMins in London before North Atlantic Council meeting.

Acheson

1. This circular information telegram was sent to Brussels, Copenhagen, The Hague, Moscow, Oslo, Reykjavik, Rome, and Ottawa. It summarizes a large volume of telegraphic exchanges included in various files, principally 396.1, 396.1 LO, 110.11 AC, 740.5, and 741.11.
2. King George VI died on Feb. 6. President Truman subsequently designated Secretary of State Acheson and Ambassador Gifford to represent him at the funeral on Feb. 15.