191. Telegram From the Assistant Chief of the Mission in Berlin (Gufler) to the Department of State1
287. From Murphy.2 During my visit to Bonn and in agreement with Ambassador Conant, I had opportunity to mention to Adenauer the Department’s interest in a satisfactory solution of the problem of ownership of material in EURATOM. Chancellor expressed sympathy [Page 473] for the Department’s point of view and added that he hoped that a satisfactory solution would be arrived at. This was concurred in by Hallstein, and Adenauer asked me to discuss the question with Minister Strauss. After dinner that evening, I had a long conversation with Strauss who vehemently argued for his point of view, that private ownership under German law would be legally different than would be the case in other EURATOM countries. Under the German system, he said, ownership would really amount to custodianship; private enterprise would actually only control the material subject to strict supervision by the state, and also subject to severe penalties for violation of the rules which would be laid down governing the handling of the material. I explained to him very carefully the US position which he fully understands. He said that he would be eager either to come to the US to explain his point of view or to send two of his specialists for that purpose. It also was quite clear that Strauss is actuated by fear of French Socialist influence leading to public ownership in this and other fields.
I discussed matter briefly before departure with Hallstein who expressed impatience with Strauss’ point of view, insisting that a decision on the matter should be made within a few days. I believe Strauss will attempt to offer some compromise formula.