740.5/2–1253: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Dunn ) to the Department of State
priority
4504. Limit distribution. Re Embtel 4503, February 12, 1953.1 Subject is European Defense Community.
This is second of series of four cables. Following is translation of note submitted by French EDC delegation to EDC Interim Committee this afternoon:
Begin text. The French delegation today submits in the name of its government five drafts of interpretive and complementary protocols to the treaty creating the European Defense Community. It has the honor to inform the delegations of the states signatory to the treaty of May 27, 1952, that the French Government also expects to have the following three points settled.
I. Agreement concerning Article 13 of the treaty.
By reason of the importance for the defense of the free world, of the security of the non-European territories for which France assumes defense responsibilities, the possibility as provided under Article 13 of having her EDC contingents placed again at her disposal is a vital necessity for France. The French Government would, therefore, prefer that the conditions under which Article 13 will be applied be the object of a protocol agreement among the states signatory to the treaty. It will shortly submit proposals to that effect.
II. Status and financial regime of the non-German contingents of the community stationed in Germany.
This question is of interest especially to those countries having forces now stationed on the territory of the Federal Republic, i.e., France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Upon the entry into force of the [Page 722] Paris treaty, these forces will be subject to a statute distinct from that applicable at present.
Article 28 of the convention on the status of European Defense Forces recognizes this situation by stipulating that agreements will be concluded between the community and the receiving state. The French Government proposes that the preparation of these agreements be undertaken immediately within the Interim Committee.
III. Conditions in which external aid will be granted to the community.
The French Government deems that Article 99 relating to external aid in the form of equipment or funds furnished the community should be made more specific by means of a protocol on the subject of application of the provisions of that Article. The necessary negotiations should be undertaken without delay between the governments of the states signatory to the Paris Treaty and the representatives of the United States Government. End Text.
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