850.33/12–154

No. 234
The Secretary of State to the President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (Monnet)1

Dear Jean: Thank you for your letter of December 1, 1954,2 concerning arrangements for representation to the High Authority. I appreciate the force of the arguments you have advanced for having our representation to the Community separate and distinct from that to European intergovernmental organizations. At the same time, in reaching a decision on this matter it will be necessary for us to take into account other considerations of our own, such as the need for satisfactory staffing, for administrative efficiency, and for correlating our interests in the Community with our other European interests. We have not as yet come to any conclusion on this question, and it may be some time before we do. In any event, you may be sure that your views will be carefully considered, and that we shall reflect in whatever arrangements are arrived at the distinctive supranational character of the High Authority.

By the time you receive this letter David Bruce will undoubtedly have conveyed to you my feeling of regret that the High Authority is soon to lose your wise leadership. As you know, I have the highest admiration for your contribution to the conception of the Community and to its successful entry into operation.

Faithfully yours,

Foster
  1. Drafted by Boochever and cleared with Moore and Merchant.
  2. Document 232.