Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CP 379
The Secretary of State to the President 1
[Dear Mr. President:] We are waiting here Saturday morning not knowing whether or not documents in relation to German sovereignty, Brussels Treaty and NATO will or will not be signed this afternoon. Everything hinges on Saar matter, which Adenauer and Mendes-France discussed last night until nearly three. They are apparently in agreement on political issues, but certain economic issues remain unsolved. They meet again at 11:30 Paris time. It seems to me incredible that the margin of difference now remaining should wreck this whole affair, but it is possible because Adenauer has gone close to the tolerable political limit and Mendes-France can be very stubborn.
Everything else has gone extremely well, and the NATO atmosphere is one of strengthened fellowship.
Faithfully yours,
- This message was transmitted to the Department of State in telegram Dulte 17, Oct. 23, with instructions that it be sent to the President.↩