Office of the Historian

68. Message From Chancellor Adenauer to the Secretary of State1

Bonn, December 5, 1957.

Thank you for your personal message of November 292 in which you have set forth for me so openly your views on the problem of consultation within NATO. Your letter has been a valuable supplement to the report which Foreign Minister von Brentano gave me about his discussions with you.

Your statement that the firm position of the United States remains unchanged has been a great satisfaction to me. I agree fully that in the eventualities which you have in mind, the United States must react immediately and decisively. It is clear to all members of NATO that the United States cannot remain passive before Soviet encroachment until counter-measures have been discussed within NATO.

I did not have such cases in mind in my approach. My concern was directed to long-term dangerous developments, as, for example, in the Near East, which the NATO members should meet together after thorough consultation.

I am glad what I shall be able to discuss these questions with you personally in Paris where I shall arrive on December 14. However, [Page 214] I should like to assure you now that I share fully your concern about the necessity of mutual confidence. Fortunately there exists between us such a relation of confidence. My approach was directed above all at a strengthening of the total Alliance.3

With best wishes,

As ever, your faithful

Adenauer
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762A.13/12–557. Secret. Transmitted in niact telegram 1784 personal for the Secretary from Bonn, December 5.↩
  2. Supra.↩
  3. On December 7, the Department instructed Bruce in Bonn to inform the Chancellor on behalf of the Secretary that, with respect to Adenauer’s message, Dulles looked forward to seeing him on December 14 and would be glad to call on him at 5 p.m. if that were convenient. (Telegram 1539 to Bonn, December 7; Department of State, Central Files, 762A.13/12–557) On December 10, Bruce informed Dulles that Adenauer would be delighted to see him. (Telegram 1840 from Bonn, December 10, ibid., 762A.13/12–1057)↩