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

740.5/4–954: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom ¹

secret

Washington, April 9, 1954—7:59 p.m.

5333. Paris for Embassy and Bruce. Limited distribution.

1. British Embassy today gave us suggested reply which Eden will make in Commons if, during announcement UK assurances and association agreement scheduled April 14, he is queried as to US position and asked whether US Govt prepared make commitments similar to those of UK. Proposed Eden reply is as follows: “Position US and UK not quite same. US has same commitment as UK as member NATO and signatory Tripartite Declaration May 27, 1952, but US has not got Treaty with EDC and has not therefore same need for an agreement on forms of association. US Govt has, however, frequently declared that their policy is to give EDC all possible support. We have been in close consultation with US Govt throughout; we know they welcome steps now being taken; and I understand that a full statement of US position may be expected shortly”.

2. We intend informing British here along following lines: Proposed reply is generally satisfactory and we have no objection to Eden’s saying that statement US position may be expected shortly. However, would like to make suggestion which we feel might improve statement from point of view of impact on French. Instead of beginning with statement that US and UK position are not same, might be preferable begin with commitments which US and UK have in common, including specific reference to NAT protocol on guarantees to EDC as well as Tripartite Declaration. Could then lead into fact that UK also has treaty with EDC making necessary agreement on forms of association, etc.

3. Request that same points be discussed FonOff as well as our views on timing. See separate cable to Paris on this subject.²

Dulles

1. Drafted by Fessenden, cleared with Palmer, Ladd of BNA, Fisher and Tyler of WE, and initialed for the Secretary by Bonbright; repeated to Paris.
2. Reference is presumably to telegram 3583 to Paris, Apr. 9, in which Dulles stated that the United States “would be prepared transmit US assurances message immediately if French cabinet on Thursday April 15 has made decision and announcement re requesting early and specific date for ratification”. (740.5/4–1054). On Apr. 12, Leishman informed Palmer “that he had received a telegram from the Foreign Office indicating that it agreed with our suggestion that any statement which Mr. Eden might make in response to Parliamentary inquiries regarding U.S. assurances on EDC should start with a statement of the similarities between the U.S. and U.K. positions and then lead into an indication of the differences which necessitated an agreement on forms of association in the case of the U.K.” Palmer expressed satisfaction with the British course of action (Memorandum of conversation, by Palmer, Apr. 12, 740.5/4–1254).