740.5/11–953
The Secretary of State to the United States High Commissioner for Germany (Conant), at Bonn
Dear Jim: I have your letter of October 28th.1 I read it with intense interest and considerable disappointment. I had hoped that the overwhelming success of Adenauer would have made his path easier rather than perhaps harder. I am particularly disappointed at the prospect of considerable delay on the Saar matter and the possible stiffening of the Chancellor’s position.
From all the information we have, there is no basis for blaming Bidault on the French delays. Bidault now seems to be the strong, outspoken supporter of EDC, and the latest information we have from Paris is that it is he who is pushing for quick action, whereas Laniel and others are holding back.
I noted your views with reference to a national German army within the NATO framework. I myself consider that this would be a most unsatisfactory alternative to European unity. I read to the President this portion of your letter.
No doubt we are at the crossroads and if EDC fails, the consequences may have to be a change more radical than merely to bring Germany into NATO. Of course, Churchill and many of our military people would doubtless favor that course.
Sincerely yours,