98. Letter From the Secretary of State to the President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (Mayer)1
Dear Mr. President: You have my sincere best wishes for success as you assume your duties as President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community.
[Page 293]On this occasion I would like to reaffirm the great importance which the United States attaches to the Community as a bold and practical step in the direction of a united Europe. I might also recall that President Eisenhower has a keen personal interest in the Community, which he has described as the most hopeful and constructive development so far towards the economic and political integration of Europe.2
It is most encouraging, therefore, to us in the United States, that the European Coal and Steel Community is in successful operation. I am sure that its pioneering achievements will serve and encourage the cause of European integration, which can contribute powerfully to the strength and prosperity of Europe.3
Faithfully yours,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 850.33/6–855. Drafted by Merchant and transmitted in telegram 180 to Luxembourg, with the instruction that it be delivered upon René Mayer’s accession to the Presidency of the High Authority. Mayer was elected to succeed Monnet in that post during the Messina Conference.↩
- See footnote 4, Document 84.↩
- Mayer responded to this letter in a letter to Dulles, dated June 10. An unofficial translation of that letter was transmitted to the Department in Colux 56 from Luxembourg, June 10. (Department of State, Central Files, 850.33/6–1055)↩