Office of the Historian

740.5/12–2754

Foreign Secretary Eden to the Secretary of State 1

secret
[London,] December 27, 1954.

[Dear Foster:] If French vote goes wrong, we shall have to act great speed if we are to hold position not only in Germany but also in other WE countries. You may like to have my preliminary thoughts now.

It seems to me that immediate meeting will be necessary. In addition to us two and Dr. Adenauer participants should be representatives of Benelux, Italy and Canada. In view Dr. Adenauer’s age and health I think meeting should be held Europe. I should be happy to hold it London. Failing that, the Hague, Rome or Brussels, but not Bonn, are possibilities.

I suggest that agenda should be:

(a)
Termination of occupation of FedRep;
(b)
German association with West and a German defence contribution;
(c)
Part to be played in new situation by NATO and WE Union.

As at London Conference, Item (a) would be for restricted UK/US/Ger discussion running parallel with Eight Power discussion of other items.

[Page 1526]

I think there would be great advantage in preliminary meeting between you and me immediately before main conference opens.

[Kindest regards,

Anthony]
  1. This message was delivered to Dulles by Ambassador Makins on Dec. 27. It was transmitted to London for the information of the Ambassador in telegram 3378, Dec. 27, which is the source text.↩