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

740.00/2–2653: Telegram

The United States Observer to the Interim Committee of the European Defense Community (Bruce) to the Department of State ¹

secret
priority

Paris, February 26, 1953—4 p.m.

Coled 4. Limit distribution. Subject is European Political Community.²

Saar question³ was not discussed at Rome meeting of six Foreign Ministers. However, Adenauer’s advisers gave us following information on discussions with Italians and intentions for discussion with Bidault.

(a) A formal public statement by French and German Governments should record agreement already reached on broad lines of political settlement subject to revision at time of peace treaty. This settlement would be based on Saar autonomy under supervision of some European body (Germans wish it to be community of six institutions).

(b) Economic and monetary problem is major remaining obstacle. Adenauer’s advisers believe argument over whether Franco-Saar conventions should be “abolished” or “modified” is merely question of semantics. Essential problem is to extend special customs relationship to Germany or to six countries of the community, and to find practical solution to monetary relations.

(c) Practical solutions to concrete problems are needed, not further polemics. Accordingly, a short-run bilateral negotiation should be avoided and a study by a committee of experts undertaken. Some of Adenauer’s advisers suggest that CSC high authority take responsibility for this study, calling on French, German and Saar experts as needed. High Authority could then lay out the problems and make proposals for settlement to all concerned.

(d) If French would agree to this procedure, it could also be announced publicly. Adenauer’s advisers hope that this announcement combined with statement of agreement on political aspects would satisfy Mayer’s desire for a “solution” to the Saar problem before EDC ratification.

This proposal has already been discussed informally with Italians in hope that De Gasperi might take the initiative. Italian reaction is apparently favorable but De Gasperi’s intentions not yet known. Italian officials said they are worried about taking any initiative without prior consultation with French in accordance with Santa Margherita Agreement.⁴ Action to be taken will probably depend on Adenauer’s reactions after his private meeting with Bidault yesterday. We hope to have more information next week.

Bruce

1. Repeated to Bonn.
2. The Foreign Ministers of France, Italy, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, met in Rome Feb. 24–25 to discuss matters of common concern, especially the European Defense Community and the European Political Community. For documentation on U.S. interest in European political and economic integration, see volume vi .
3. Further documentation on the Saar is presented in volume vii .
4. Regarding the meeting at Santa Margherita between French Prime Minister Pleven, French Foreign Minister Schuman, and Italian Prime Minister De Gasperi, Feb. 12–14, 1951, see telegram 3627, Feb. 20, 1951, printed in the compilation on Italy in Foreign Relations, 1951, volume iv .