Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western European Integration and Security, Canada, Volume VII, Part 1

16. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions ⁰

March 28, 1958, 7:07 p.m.

911. A. CA-8151.¹ B. Polto 3020 rptd or pouched other addressees;² The Hague’s 1864,³ London’s 5650,⁴ Brussels 1316⁵ and Copenhagen’s 728.⁶ Luxembourg for Butterworth and Embassy. Paris for USRO and Embassy.

1. In carrying out instruction ref A (or if necessary in follow-up contacts) addressee Missions should take care dispel firmly any lingering doubts re US attitude warm support FTA negotiations. This connection Dept wishes make clear that addressees authorized their discretion draw on entire section I ref A in informal contacts. (Naturally presentation should be adapted omit reference “US strategic objectives” para I E, reference to effect on sterling, or any other points obviously inappropriate for such use.)

2. Re timing problem should leave no doubt US favors fastest possible progress consistent overriding objective achieving final agreement on arrangements which in line principles summarized ref A (and other messages same series) and which can be defended before US public opinion and in GATT. FYI. Continue believe necessary guard against premature pressures which could for example result in early agreement at excessive cost in terms undesirable commercial policy features FTA. End FYI.

Dulles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 440.002/2–2858. Confidential. Drafted by Myerson; cleared in EUR/BNA, EUR/RA, EUR/WE, E/OT, E/TAD, and W; and signed for Dulles by Timmons. Sent to Bern, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, The Hague, London, Luxembourg, Oslo, Rome, Paris, Stockholm, and Vienna and pouched to Ankara, Athens, Dublin, Lisbon, Ottawa, and Reykjavik.
1. Document 12.
2. Document 15.
3. In telegram 1864 from The Hague, March 27, the Embassy reported that the approach on FTA had been made to Dutch Foreign Office officials, who had expressed the view that U.S. intervention, if undertaken, should be directed toward the Germans, and specifically toward Adenauer, Von Brentano, and Hallstein. (Department of State, Central Files, 440.002/3–2758)
4. Document 14.
5. In telegram 1316 from Brussels, March 27, the Embassy reported on the approach made to the Belgian Government with regard to the FTA. (Department of State, Central Files, 440.002/3–2758)
6. In telegram 728 from Copenhagen, March 27, the Embassy reported that it had made the requested approach to the Danish Foreign Office, which had expressed its belief that the United States was really not enthusiastic about FTA. (ibid.)