Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Central and Southeastern Europe, Volume XXVI

155. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France¹

Washington, May 9, 1955—5:52 p.m.

Tosec 7. For Merchant² from Elbrick. We are proceeding Washington approach British and French re possible use force contemplated NSC 5404/1,³ which was deferred pending ratification Paris Agreements. Will use current Autobahn situation as introduction (re Secto 2, rptd Bonn 846, London 1110).⁴

Meanwhile, we hopeful dispatch instructions Bonn today re Autobahn situation which envisage Allied and German planning in event approaches Soviets unproductive. This would include use military facilities for which we are seeking Defense approval.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 962A.7162B/5–855. Secret. Drafted by Blumberg, cleared with Lyon, and approved by Elbrick. Repeated to Bonn and London.
2. Merchant was in Paris for the meeting of the North Atlantic Council, May 9–11.
3. See Foreign Relations,, 1952–1954, vol. VII, Part 2, p. 1390.
4. Secto 2 reported that Dulles had approved an approach to the British and French with regard to Berlin. (Department of State, Central Files, 962A.7162A/5–855)