FE files, lot
55 D 480
Memorandum by the Counselor of the Department of State
(MacArthur) to the Secretary of State1
secret
[Washington,] August 25, 1954.
The British Embassy has just received a suggested UK redraft of Article 4, which is attached as Annex 1. You will
note that paragraph 1 of the latest British proposal picks up the language
of the North Atlantic Treaty. You will also note that paragraph 2 has been
substantially telescoped.
In handing us this latest UK proposal, the
British Embassy informed us that Mr. Eden was unalterably opposed to the use
of the word “Communist” in either the Preamble or in the body of the Treaty.
The British Embassy also said Eden would meet with the British Cabinet on
Friday2 and it was very
important, if at all possible, to have the US reaction by that time.
For purposes of comparison, I attach Article 4 of the latest US draft, as
Annex 2,3 and also the earlier
British proposal for revision of Article 4 (which they have now withdrawn),
as Annex 3.4
[Annex 1]
New UK Proposal
for Article 4
- 1.
- The parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them
in the Treaty area or against Cambodia, Laos or the territory under
the jurisdiction of the Government of the State of Viet Nam or
against any States or Territories which the parties by unanimous
agreement may hereafter designate shall be considered an attack
against them all; and consequently they agree that if such an armed
attack occurs, each of them, in the exercise of the right of
individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of
the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the party or parties
or other States or Territories herein before referred to by taking
forthwith individually and in concert with the other parties, such
action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force to
restore and maintain the security of the Treaty area. Any such armed
attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately
be reported to the Security Council.
- 2.
- The parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any
of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or
security of any of the parties or of any other State or Territory to
which the provisions of paragraph 1 above from time to time apply,
is threatened in any other way than by armed attack.
