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

740.5/1–1653: Telegram

The Ambassador in France ( Dunn ) to the Department of State ¹

secret

Paris , January 16, 1953—6 p.m.

3993. Subject is European Defense Community.

1. At meeting between members of German EDC delegation and Embassy EDC observer group, former briefly reviewed EDC situation as it has evolved over past month. They said that Blank and others in German Government close to EDC negotiations were very disturbed by Adenauer’s Munich speech, in which he agreed to talk about additional protocols before ratification. Adenauer intended his remarks to help French over their crisis. Apparently due to efforts of Blank and others, Adenauer is now persuaded that it is wiser not to encourage additional protocols.

2. Germans hope that heads of EDC delegations will meet early next week to discuss possible talks on treaty modifications. German position appears to be that treaty makes adequate provision for cases raised by French. They will probably be willing to sign additional agreements which would spell out in more detail actual procedures which will put into effect certain provisions of the treaty. They mentioned that Article 13 and “integrity” of French army—personnel administration—were problems which could be settled in this manner.

3. In connection with meeting of heads of delegations next week, Blank is expected to propose that interim commission staff be cut and that no controversial problems be treated in interim commission until ratification is assured. Blank is apparently very much concerned that disputes in interim mission on possible changes in treaty will be used by national parliamentarians in their debates. Also, we received impression that Blank and other exponents of civilian control are worried lest the military elements of French and German delegations begin irresponsible discussions on proposals which would in effect suggest creation of German national army and thus make ratification impossible.²

[Here follow two brief paragraphs dealing with the German NATO Annual Review submission and unspecified informal talks between Alphand and Von Kessel.]

Dunn

1. Repeated to London and Bonn.
2. In telegram 3323 from Bonn, Jan. 19, Reber reported that Bérard had just returned from Paris with instructions to give the Federal Republic the following assurances with respect to the EDC: (1) The new French Government of René Mayer firmly supported European integration and the EDC. (2) The French Government did not desire any modifications or alterations of the treaty which would require new negotiations. Only “supplementary interpretations” were desired. (3) Any such adjustments as were necessary could be handled by and within the EDC Interim Committee (740.5/1–1953).