740.5/5–1854: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1
4130. Eyes only Ambassador. Although I realize Laniel is submerged in Indochina crisis and Geneva, I believe we must keep pressure on with respect to EDC. This is essential not only in light impending Congressional action on mutual security program but also because of evidence that Adenauer’s political position is steadily worsening as result French delays on EDC. Moreover it is by no means inappropriate to reiterate to Laniel importance we attach to EDC ratification at moment when he is considering request to us for participation in Indochina hostilities.
President issued his assurances on EDC on basis reported agreement French Cabinet for certain ratification timetable which has not been lived up to.
I would appreciate your comments on following steps now under contemplation:
- (1)
- Delivery formal communication to Laniel recalling Bonn Treaty signed almost exactly two years ago and ratified long since by three parties other than France, and asking in light this lapse for [Page 956] formal expression French intentions and expected timing ratification Bonn and Paris treaties.
- (2)
- Request that reply in writing confirm: (a) Government’s intention seek prompt conclusion Saar agreement with Adenauer (in order avoid debate on Saar question at Council of Europe May 27 session it seems to us essential that Adenauer and Bidault be able to announce prior such date that agreement had been reached); (b) Government’s intention work out equally prompt agreement with Adenauer on signature of protocols; and (c) Government’s determination (on assumption Socialist Congress successfully concluded and Saar settlement as well as agreement on protocols signature reached by June 1) to call not later than first week of June for immediate uninterrupted debate on EDC ratification with vote made issue of confidence if necessary.
It is not contemplated that this exchange of note would be published or directly linked with question of Indochina.
We are awaiting your comments before discussing the foregoing initiative with British. Our plan is to seek their agreement to parallel and concurrent approach to French.
Text draft note (see (1) above) being transmitted in immediately following cable.2