82. Telegram From the United States Delegation at the NATO Heads of Government Meeting to the Department of State1
Polto 1820. Subject: Heads of Governments meeting, Thursday, December 19, 11 a.m.2
Chairman Spaak called upon Council to conclude screening of and finally adopt declaration and communiqué.3
Item 1. Revised declaration (PC–10)4 read paragraph by paragraph. Following highlights discussion and changes:
In para 9, sharp debate developed between Turkey and Greece over words “peace and freedom”. With Menderes mentioning Cyprus as his major concern, he insisted that the word “freedom” be dropped. Greece stoutly defended concept, supported by Spaak, who pointed out that in context para 9 the word “freedom” could not be interpreted as having any reference or relevance to Cyprus situation. Squabble finally resolved by adoption phrase “freedom in peace”.
Declaration adopted and decision taken that communiqué section should follow as part of single document.
Continuing discussion PC–10, Council considered draft paragraph by paragraph, and finally adopted communiqué as officially released.
Following highlights of discussion may be of interest:
In para 11, at United States suggestion, word “moral” inserted. At Norway’s suggestion, phase “of that area” deleted on grounds it was too broad.
Brentano (Germany) proposed sharpening para 12, both with respect to Berlin and German reunification. Language referring to October 23, 1954 declaration5 and Geneva Summit Conference was agreed upon.
Netherlands suggested slight addition to para 15 to meet requirements of Dutch public opinion concerning Indonesia. Proposal adopted without debate.
On para 16, discussion developed on question of “divergencies” and bringing them into harmony. President made point that NATO should not always aspire to “overcome” all divergencies, but should [Page 259] certainly always be prepared to “accommodate” differences of view and subordinate them to a fundamental unity.
At this point in proceedings, Spaak announced that the press had gotten hold of PC–10. He expressed view that this represents deplorable situation and made very difficult, if not pointless, revision of text. He said that this always seemed to happen at ministerial meetings of NATO, whereas leaks were very rare from sessions of Permanent Council. Lange of Norway said that in view of premature publication of draft communiqué, changes should be kept to a minimum. Secretary Dulles said that the Council should make such changes as were necessary and not attempt to make “an honest man” out of the person who leaked draft communiqué.
Continuing discussion, United Kingdom suggested deletion para 34 from communiqué, with understanding that Council adopt as decision substance of para 34. This supported by United States, on grounds that public would interpret announcement of spring meeting as deferral of action on decisions taken at Heads of Government meeting. Netherlands objected to deletion and proposed reference to 1957 Annual Review. Finally agreed incorporate announcement spring military conference at Ministerial level under para 31.
Re para 42, economic cooperation, debate developed on effect of plans for Common Market and European Free Trade Area upon less developed European countries, Greece and Turkey teaming up to press point that “countries undergoing development should not be crushed by economic integration.” In course discussion, Canada stated for record that it could not accept free trade area unless food, drink and tobacco were excluded; but on this understanding would not object to communiqué language.
Canada returned to para 13, stating for record that second sentence did not imply military support for countries of the Middle East. Chairman stated summary record would make this clear.
Final declaration and communiqué adopted.
The SecGen Spaak tried to continue custom of having a minister give final press conference; but was prevailed upon to handle it himself. Expressions of thanks were extended to the international staff and the PermReps on their work in preparing this meeting. President Eisenhower suggested that, in view of the important decisions taken and need for guidance in the future, there should be a short period of prayer. Following silent meditation and prayer, the meeting was officially adjourned.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–PA/12–1957. Confidential. Drafted by Nolting and authorized by Reinhardt. Repeated to the other NATO capitals and Moscow.↩
- The summary, C–R(57)87, and verbatim, C–VR(57)87, records of this session, both dated December 19, are ibid., Conference Files: Lot 63 D 123, CF 953.↩
- See footnote 5, supra.↩
- See footnote 4, Document 80.↩
- For text of the Paris Agreements, reached at the Nine- and Four-Power Conferences, October 23, 1954, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. v, Part 2, pp. 1435 ff.↩