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

740.5/4–1354: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France ¹

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Washington, April 14, 1954—1:19 p.m.

3647. Limit distribution. For the Secretary from the Acting Secretary.

1. Fully concur Paris telegram 3882.² We will authorize immediate transmittal assurances to EDC to Prime Ministers upon notification by Embassy that French cabinet has set and announced date for debate in satisfactory terms to be held during week beginning May 24 and will release text as early as possible Friday. We will also send circular to missions in EDC countries today making sure all have received text pouched over week-end and informing them of likelihood that they will be called upon transmit text tomorrow urgently.³

2. If proves impossible for Hughes call NAC meeting on such short notice, assume Hughes can make suitable arrangements inform Ismay and Permanent Representatives.

3. Would appreciate information on New York Times story today that Laniel has given commitment for separate and prior debate on three conditions of UK association, US assurances, and Saar before EDC debate. Although these matters bound be extensively discussed during EDC debate itself, we would consider it very unfortunate if they were debated separately and prior to EDC debate. This would present excellent opportunity for opposition to delay and disrupt debate.

Smith

1. Drafted by Fessenden, cleared with Palmer, Tyler of WE, and the Acting Secretary.
2. Not printed; it reads as follows: “If French Cabinet decision Thursday morning on EDC sets and publicly announces definite date for debate during week beginning May 24, believe US assurances should be communicated to 6 Prime Ministers and NAC immediately thereafter in order that they may be made public late Friday. This necessary to enable Socialists promptly to issue call for party Congress” (740.5/4–1354).
3. The definitive text of the U.S. assurances to the European Defense Community had been transmitted in circular airgram 5728, Apr. 9, to Bonn, Brussels, The Hague, London, Luxembourg, Paris, and Rome. On Apr. 15, this text was formally transmitted to the Prime Ministers of the six nations signatory to the European Defense Community Treaty in the form of a message from President Eisenhower. The text was released to the press on Apr. 16 and is printed in the Department of State Bulletin, Apr. 26, 1954, pp. 619–620.