Editorial Note
Throughout the early winter and spring of 1954, the Benelux countries and the Federal Republic of Germany moved steadily toward ratification of the treaty to establish a European Defense Community. The Netherlands became the first country to complete legislative action approving the EDC Treaty when, on January 20, the First Chamber voted approval. That same day, President Eisenhower released a brief statement of congratulation. For the text, see Department of State Bulletin, February 1, 1954, page 142.
Belgium became the second country to ratify when, on March 11, 1954, its Senate completed parliamentary action begun by the Chamber of Deputies which had approved the EDC Treaty on November 26, 1953. A brief message of congratulation from Secretary Dulles to Foreign Minister Van Zeeland, dated March 12, is printed ibid., March 22, 1954, page 433.
Action to ratify the EDC Treaty was completed by the Federal Republic of Germany on March 29, 1954 when President Heuss signed the Treaty. Congratulatory messages from President Eisenhower and Secretary Dulles were released the same day and are printed ibid., April 12, 1954, page 554.
Luxembourg completed ratification action on April 7 when Parliament voted ratification. The statement by President Eisenhower applauding the action of the Belgian Parliament was released the same day and is printed ibid., April 26, 1954, page 621.
Documentation on the events leading to ratification of the EDC Treaty in these four countries is in file 740.5.