740.5/9–1354: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Butterworth) to the Department of State 1
1305. I saw Perm UnderSec re Dept Topol 291, rptd London 1451.2 In reviewing major points in reftel with Kirkpatrick, I attempted to minimize seeming contradiction between Dept’s sense of urgency in connection with fixing date of ministerial conference and deliberation with which it approaches question of preliminary discussions either in NAC or in 9 power conference—but without success. Kirkpatrick put his finger firmly on these points and went on to emphasize that HMG had now come to view that Adenauer had been right in not favoring a 9 power meeting until effective preliminary exchanges had taken place, and in conversation with Eden he had advocated further exchanges through diplomatic channels after Eden’s return to London.
I believe the British are determined to hold a 9 power conference in London if they possibly can and until they are in a position to fix a date for it they will be most reluctant to fix a date for NATO ministerial meeting. Eden plans to attend NAC meeting Sept 15 and [Page 1181] make an abbreviated report on his findings. I urged that this be not allowed to presage general substantive discussion.
Kirkpatrick was pleased with outcome of Brussels talks, PM’s report of which to President was shown me.3 FonOff has to date only received account of 1st meeting between Eden and Adenauer with which they are also most satisfied.
- Repeated to Paris.↩
- Not printed; it expressed the Department of State’s disappointment with the failure of the North Atlantic Council to set a target date and place for an emergency ministerial meeting to discuss possible German membership in NATO. The Department emphasized the great urgency for such a meeting but stressed its view that the Council should not concern itself at this point with the substance of the preparatory work involved. (740.5/9–954)↩
- Dated Sept. 12, p. 1179.↩