740.5/5–2452: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Department of State
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3042. From Secretary for Bruce and Matthews. Further to my 3038, May 24.1 French Cabinet is bound by communiqué which they have already given out. It requires that “something new” must be forthcoming. It is suggested that anything might do but some addition must be made. Consequently, they have proposed to us the following modifications of their proposal of this morning:
(a) Modify fifth paragraph Doc SCEM D–2/72 by adding after this morning’s change the words “in equitable proportions”.
(b) Additional sentence given in 3038 would be withdrawn and replaced by new sentence which is incorporated in French proposed redraft of entire section which follows:
“For these various reasons, including the fact that these new guarantees will apply to the states concerned only as members of one or the other of these organizations, the Govts of US and UK have an abiding interest, as has the Govt of France, in the effectiveness of the treaty creating the EDC and in the strength and integrity of that community. Therefore, they have expressed their resolve to station such forces on the continent in Europe including the FRG as are necessary and appropriate to contribute in equitable proportions, to the joint defense of the North Atlantic area, having regard to their obligations under [Page 679] NAT, their interest in the integrity of the EDC, and their special responsibilities in Germany.
If any action from whatever quarter were to threaten the integrity or unity of the community, the two govts would consider the matter of the greatest concern to them calling for consultation under Article IV of NAT in order to agree on measures to meet the situation thus created.
In particular, should this threat to the integrity or to the unity of the community result from action taken by one of its members with a view to withdrawing from its obligations, all measures would be taken to safeguard the requirements for the common defense and to maintain at an appropriate level the potential of west Europe’s defense.
“The integrity and welfare of Berlin, etc.…”
Eden and I have rejected this new proposal of Schuman but are seeking to work out some solution.
The Socialist convention in France voted by 2000 to 800 in favor of entering EDC treaty. This was quite unexpected and is viewed as a very favorable development.3
- Supra.↩
- See footnote 2, supra.↩
- In telegram 7300 from Paris, May 24, Dunn stated inter alia “it appears that Guy Mollet is in full control and will swing his party in direction of approval in principle of EDC treaty. His speech delivered late yesterday, again demonstrated that in stature and prestige, despite his quiet manner and unimpressive appearance, he towered far above the other socialist leaders” (740.5/5–2452).↩