115. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Merchant) to the Officer in Charge of Economic Organization Affairs, Office of European Regional Affairs (Barnett)1
Over the weekend I came to the conclusion that we must urgently reassess all available possibilities to revitalize the concept of European integration. If we fail to do this we may well see a most unhappy drift in German opinion. The obvious most fruitful area of development seems to me in the peaceful use of atomic energy. I would appreciate it if you would give this matter some urgent thought and also let me know where we stand on the feasibility of an atomic peaceful pool arrangement under existing U.S. law. I would also like your thoughts as to the most desirable timing of the announcement of David Bruce’s successor as our representative to the Coal and Steel Community and also how we can most effectively capitalize on Rene Mayer’s forthcoming visit to this country.
- Source: Department of State, RA Files: Lot 58 D 374, Atomic Energy Integration. Confidential.↩