740.5/3–954: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1

secret
niact

3091. For Dillon and Bruce. Reference Deptel to Paris 3067,2 rptd info Caracas Tedul 29, London 4581, Bonn 2500. Following changes in US assurances text made as result Congressional consultations which are not yet completed.3 Bidault should not be informed until you receive further word.

Second sentence in fifth unnumbered paragraph changed to read: “When that Treaty comes into force, the United States acting in accordance with its rights and obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty, will conform its action to the following policies and undertakings:”.

First numbered paragraph to read: “(1) The United States will continue to maintain in Europe, including Germany, such units of its armed forces as may be necessary and appropriate to contribute its fair share of the forces needed for the joint defense of the North Atlantic area while a threat to that area exists and will continue to deploy such forces in accordance with agreed North Atlantic Treaty strategy for the defense of this area.”.

Third numbered paragraph revised to read: “(3) The United States will continue, in conformity with my recommendations to the Congress, to seek means of extending to the Atlantic Community increased security by sharing in greater measure information with respect to the military utilization of new weapons and techniques for the improvement of the collective defense.”.

In fourth numbered paragraph eliminate word “fully” in first line.

In fifth numbered paragraph revise last clause beginning “and in such event will act” to read as new sentence beginning “In such event the United States will consult in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.”.

[Page 897]

Sixth numbered paragraph revised to read: “(6) In accordance with the basic interest of the United States in the North Atlantic Treaty, as expressed at the time of ratification, the Treaty was regarded as of indefinite duration rather than for any definite number of years. The United States calls attention to the fact that for it to cease to be a party to the North Atlantic Treaty would appear quite contrary to our security interests when there is established on the Continent of Europe the solid core of unity which the European Defense Community will provide.”.

Smith
  1. Drafted by Moore. Repeated to Caracas, London, and Bonn.
  2. Dated Mar. 6, p. 892.
  3. No record of these consultations has been found in Department of State files.