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

170. Telegram From the Delegation at the North Atlantic Council Ministerial Meeting to the Department of State⁰

Paris, December 17, 1958, 4 a.m.

Polto 1720. Subject: Continuation of discussion of agenda Item II, NAC ministerial meeting review of the international situation.

Discussion this item resumed at 5 p.m. December 16, following discussion Item I. It was interrupted at 5.45. p.m. to receive report of drafting committee on communiqué on Berlin problem.¹

Highlights: Greece and Turkey joined in presenting issue of strengthening economic resources of alliance, and these two, supported by Norway, referred to importance of success of OEEC talks for alliance. Spaak stressed wiser not to reopen this contentious issue in NAC but said communiqué could express desire for solution. Zorlu (Turkey) then gave appreciation of Middle East situation. End summary.

Greece referred to importance of strengthening economic resources of alliances and said they collaborating with Turkey to present paper on this subject.² Referred to importance of OEEC talks and vital need for successful outcome.

Norway intervened to express concern at critical phase FTA talks have reached. Hoped that will shown on all sides at OEEC meeting last night will continue in multilateral negotiations and lead to not only short-range solution of immediate problems but solution of basic problems as well. Stressed solution essential as political unity and solidarity in defense field impossible if alliance falls apart in economic field. Soviet programs for coordinating economies of all countries Soviet bloc makes positive action by alliance all the more essential. Alliance cannot afford economic civil war.

Denmark supported Norway. Turkey commended Greek delegation for raising importance of economic strength, and for this reason had agreed to collaborate with Greeks in preparing paper on mobilizing economic resources especially for dealing with under-developed countries. Emphasized OEEC negotiations had not been successful and supported Norwegian presentation. Economic collaboration of two sorts necessary: (1) Liberalization of trade; (2) more importantly, full-scale mobilization of resources, as Soviets do.

Spaak pointed out no one wanted to reopen OEEC debate in NAC. Said communiqué can express strong desire for solution. Urged Greece and Turkey to get together and present their proposal to permanent council. Said that in communiqué, can find appropriate form of words to express ideas presented.

[5 paragraphs (2 pages of source text) not declassified]

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–PA/12–1758. Secret; Priority. Transmitted in two sections. Repeated to Athens, Ankara, Oslo, and London and pouched to the other NATO capitals.
1. For text of the NAC Declaration on Berlin, released to the press on December 17, see Department of State Bulletin, January 5, 1959, p. 4.
2. The Greek-Turkish paper has not been found.