Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 2

Presidential Correspondence, lot 66 D 204, “Churchill Correspondence with Eisenhower”

Prime Minister Churchill to President Eisenhower ¹

top secret

[London,] December 24, 1954.

My Dear Friend: Anthony and I felt it right to make the attached statement through a spokesman of the Foreign Office, with which we feel sure you will agree. Can you do anything of this sort to help? It is always a good thing when you and we are seen to be in full accord. Christmas greetings to all.

W.

[Annex]

Text of a Statement Issued Through a Spokesman of the Foreign Office on December 24th, 1954

The Paris treaties are still under discussion in the French Chamber, and there is to be a further vote on Monday. It is clear that what is at stake is the unity of the Western Allies.

2. The rejection of the Paris agreements would not mean that German rearmament would not take place.

The issue is not whether the German Federal Republic will rearm, but how.

3. The United Kingdom commitment, offered at the London conference, to maintain British forces on the Continent of Europe depends on the ratification of the Paris agreements by all the parties.

1. The source text was delivered to the White House on Dec. 24 by Ambassador Makins, with a copy sent to the Department of State at the same time, according to a covering memorandum.