Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Western European Security and Integration, Volume IV

122. Telegram From the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Germany¹

Washington, October 24, 1955—12:09 p.m.

1159. Secretary has notified Dept. from Paris that he approves Bonn action only and information for other addressees following message.²

Re Bonn’s 1177 and Colux 25.³

1. Reftels suggest Eur uncertainty re US attitude towards relations with possible Eur atomic energy agency may be having discouraging effect on proponents of European integration this field. Reftels, corroborated by recent conversations here with Menne, leading German industrialist, indicate Erhard and his supporters resting case for national as opposed broader European program atomic energy development on assumption Germany (and by implication, other countries) will receive more favorable treatment if deal with US directly.

2. It is of course not possible to decide what relations with proposed European atomic energy agency would be until Europeans have agreed on structure, powers and purposes of such agency. However, if Europeans should establish common institution which US could consider as possessing sovereign responsibility and authority and which would otherwise contribute to stronger and prospering Europe through integration, Executive Branch would be prepared promptly and vigorously to seek the necessary Congressional action to permit atomic energy cooperation including supply of atomic materials. US can enter into arrangement for cooperation with group of nations after joint resolution or treaty.

3. It should be recognized that US relationships if finally concluded as envisaged above would reinforce US Executive-Congressional support European integration with unforseeable but real mutual practical advantages to both US and pool flowing from association.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 840.1901/10–1755. Secret; Niact. Drafted and approved by Barnett. Also sent priority for information to Brussels, The Hague, Paris, Luxembourg, and Rome, CSC Mission in Luxembourg, and USRO in Paris.

2. In Tosec 7 to Paris, October 22, for Dulles and Merchant, the Department transmitted a draft of this circular message for the Secretary’s approval. (Ibid., 840.00/10–1355) In the immediately preceding telegram, Tosec 6 to Paris, also of October 22, the Department informed Dulles and Merchant as follows:

   • “1. Immediately following telegram is text circular telegram on attitude of US towards Community of Six work on peaceful uses of atomic energy as revised and now acceptable to AEC which we recommend you approve and have communicated to addressees.
   • “2. Brussels 390 received today also being repeated to you simultaneously. It recommends against US intervention at this stage in Spaak’s activities. If circular message is regarded by you as possibly capable of misconstruction as ‘intervention’ we would then suggest, in view imminence Brussels Group Oct 26 session, that it be communicated immediately to Conant only for action and Spaak for advice re timing distribution to other addressees. Spaak expected to attend WEU meeting Monday.” (Ibid., 840.00/10–2155)

3. Neither printed, but see footnote 2, supra.