120. Editorial Note
On October 13, Jean Monnet issued a press release announcing the establishment of an Action Committee for a United States of Europe. The Embassy in France reported this development to the Department in despatch 763, October 20. (Department of State, Central Files, 740.00/10–2055) In telegram 1922 from Paris, Ambassador Dillon informed Secretary of State Dulles that, as a result of conversations with Monnet and others, he believed that the new Monnet committee was “of significant importance and is already giving renewed impetus to European unity movement.” He also stated that Monnet had asked to see Dulles while he was in Paris “to describe his present efforts and in particular to emphasize importance of progress on European atomic energy pool” and expressed the hope that Dulles would meet with Monnet. (Ibid., 840.00/10–2055) Dulles was scheduled to be in Paris prior to the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union, scheduled to open at Geneva on October 27.
In a memorandum to Assistant Secretary Merchant, dated October 20, Benson E.L. Timmons, III, Director of RA, summarized Monnet’s press release and analyzed Monnet’s new committee as follows:
“The new Action Committee has as its ultimate objective the creation of a United States of Europe. Initial activities will apparently be aimed at influencing the Brussels Committee on Integration, headed by Spaak, to come forward with proposals that move in this direction and at influencing Parliaments to approve such proposals. The Committee explicitly seeks to encourage measures involving the delegation of national powers to European federal institutions rather than measures of cooperation among governments (of the type that might be accomplished, for example, through the OEEC).
“The list of sponsors of the Committee includes the responsible leaders of the Socialist and Christian Democratic parties and of the Socialist and Christian trade unions. An impressive group of sponsors has also been lined up from Liberal and Conservative parties. While the Committee does not include direct representation from European [Page 332] governments, it has reportedly been made clear abroad that Edgar Faure looks favorably on Monnet’s effort.
“The organization of Monnet’s Committee makes it probable the European integration will become increasingly important as a political issue within the six CSC countries and improves the chances that constructive steps towards European integration could result from the work of the Brussels Committee.” (Ibid., RA Files: Lot 58 D 374, General—Economic Integration)