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

396.1 LO/2–1852: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State ¹

secret
priority

London, February 18, 1952—1 a.m.

Secto 11. At mtg Feb 17 tripartite mins took fol action on HICOM report on Ger financial contribution to def:²

(1) Agree to take up fol matters with Adenauer:³

A. Total Ger contribution. Mins will say that, since, consideration by 3 wise men was undertaken at Adenauer’s request they assume he is prepared to accept recoms on behalf FedRep and will be able to provide immed confirmation of this. If he does, 3 govs wld also accept recoms.

B. Procedure for establ total contribution in future. Mins believe procedure similar to that employed shld be contemplated in subsequent yrs, using whatever machinery is set up in NATO in place of TCC. While exact method cld be settled at approp time, gen provs to this effect can be written into convention. Shld be clear, however, this does not prejudge question of FedRep membership in NATO.

C. Material support. Mins will point out substantial allied forces in Ger will require continuous special arrangements for material support which will not necessarily be same as those worked out in EDC or prevailing as among NATO countries. They trust Adenauer recognizes circumstances which make this nec.

D. Mins will point out their numerous other questions which remain to be settled on which allied proposals have been made and will urge that negots proceed rapidly in Bonn.

(2) Mins agreed to instruct high commissioners as fols:

A. Prov of contribution for 52/53 shld be finally negotiated at Bonn and included in contract. Sums to be requested shld not exceed DM 6.8 billion requested by forces, from which shld be eliminated all mil items and particularly those which are politically objectionable in Ger. Force shld make best efforts to effect maximum possible economies, in addition. High commissioners shld attempt reach agmt on div before conclusion Lisbon mtg and shld in any event report result negots so that mins can consider before they leave Lisbon.

B. Provided arrangements satisfactory in substance, payment of costs non-EDC Forces may be effected thru mechanism EDC. EDC will not have any substantive role, but will act merely as transmitting agency.

C. After first 12 month period, amt which may be contributed to support of non-EDC Forces will be determined by negot between EDC and Ger on one hand and non-EDC countries on other. Distribution among non-EDC Forces will be on basis relative troop strength, taking into acct variance in cost of branches of mil serv, such as air, ground and their logistical support.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated for information to Paris, Bonn, and Lisbon.
2. The reference here is to document HICOM/P(52)10/Final, Feb. 12, p. 87.
3. The agreed position summarized in points A, B, and C here was presented to the Foreign Ministers by a special tripartite subcommittee (Official Group) as document MOG/4 Final. Feb. 16, not printed. (CFM files, lot M 88, box 161, “London-Lisbon Misc.”) MOG/4 Final was apparently slightly redrafted as an aide-mémoire and handed to Chancellor Adenauer on Feb. 18.