740.5/2–1253: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dunn) to the Department of State
priority
4509. Limit distribution. Re 4508, February 12.1 Subject is European Defense Community.
Following is translation of draft French protocol on withdrawal of forces under Article 13 which Alphand submitted at meeting heads of delegations yesterday:
Begin Text. Draft Protocol Between the Signatory States of the European Defense Community Treaty.
The signatory states of the treaty constituting the European Defense Community:
Taking into consideration the necessity in which France finds itself, by reason of the defense responsibilities which it assumes in certain non-European territories, to be able at any moment to dispose of forces sufficient to face without delay an exceptional situation in one of such territories;
Deeming that the maintenance of the external and internal security of these territories constitutes an essential element of protection against the threat of direct or indirect aggression in the world, and should hereafter be considered as involved in the general strategic objectives of Western defense;
Accordingly are in agreement on the necessity of SACEUR being requested by the North Atlantic authorities from whom he depends to accede to requests which may be presented by the Government of [Page 726] France, pursuant to Article 13 of the EDC Treaty, to have placed at its disposal a portion of the contingents furnished by this government to the European defense forces;
Requests the Government of France and SACEUR to consult immediately, in such a case, concerning the conditions under which forces thus withdrawn will be replaced, in order to re-establish as soon as possible the integrity of the forces placed at the disposal of SACEUR.
Proposed Resolution of (North) Atlantic Council.
The Atlantic Council:
Having recognized the protocol effected on … between the six signatory states of the treaty constituting the European Defense Community,
Instructs the Supreme Commander in Europe to follow the recommendations set forth in the above protocol when required to take action under Article 13. End Treaty.
- Infra.↩