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

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

Paris, December 15, 1959, midnight.

Polto 1160. From USDel. Ministerial Council of NATO convened at 10:15 a.m. in open plenary session for dedication of new NATO building.¹ After presentation statement by Debre and acceptance by Lange,² Council began discussion of agenda item I in restricted session. Spaak introduced discussion with general commentary reflecting his questionnaire regarding détente³ and with reference to record of Washington consultations on summitry.⁴ Following Spaak, general statements were made by Secretary, Wigny, and Lange. Meeting recessed at approximately 1:00 p. m. to be continued in afternoon.

Debre’s presentation statement (which released to press by NATO) was brief appeal for cooperation in overcoming internal difficulties of Alliance in order insure political and military solidarity and for rejuvenation of NATO. Lange’s acceptance statement (also released) was expression of appreciation for French contribution of building site and other cooperation in creation “permanent home” for NATO in Paris.

Spaak called for discussion under agenda item I to concentrate on his questionnaire regarding détente (PO(59)1615) and on record of Washington consultations in preparation for summit meetings. He indicated agenda for East-West conference uncertain but would probably include disarmament, Berlin and general question of Germany, general East-West relations, and perhaps problem of relations with underdeveloped countries. Invited Ministers seize opportunity express their views on these subjects. Said particularly important to consider maintenance of political consultation in NATO re planing for East-West negotiations, observing that consultative process had been somewhat less than satisfactory since last Geneva Conference.⁵ Noted that scope of possible agenda for East-West summit is considerably greater than scope of Geneva Conference and involves subjects which clearly of equal concern to small and great powers. Spaak expressed some dissatisfaction with phraseology of reference in record of Washington consultations to consultation with NATO.

Spaak urged that Ministers address themselves to question of whether we have entered new phase of international politics and cautioned care in analysis this question. Drew sharp distinction between Soviet concept “peaceful coexistence” and Western desire for cooperation. Urged that Soviet concept of competition by all means short of overt aggression be clarified so that Western public opinion will understand that Communist threat not reduced in period of apparent détente. Warned against Soviet efforts to play off Western Allies against each other and stressed great importance of Western unity and danger of relaxing Western defense in view fact Soviets could resort again to cold war at any time. Suggested full discussion by Ministers of these considerations in order provide adequate background for defense discussions tomorrow.

Returning to political consultative process, emphasized importance of consultation regarding problems in other areas of world, such as Asia, which are becoming center of East-West struggle. Challenged Council to go beyond general acknowledgments of importance such broader application of political consultation and to consider what such consultation should really mean for organization of NATO.

Spaak concluded with appeal for effort by NATO to bring order into economy of Atlantic Community, and referred to problems of Six and Seven, and of continued U.S. aid to Europe that has recovered economically. Stated solution these problems required if NATO to deal effectively with less developed areas. Warned against false distinction between political and economic problems and asserted NATO concerned with basic policy aspects of economic as well as political problems, although accepted judgment that NATO should not assume operational responsibilities in economic field.

Secretary’s statement dealt with U.S. approach to East-West negotiations, estimate of Soviet threat and tactics, stressed importance of augmenting NATO’s military strength, gave assurance of continued U.S. commitment to collective security and support for NATO defense, urged greater European defense effort and aid to less developed areas, and proposed that NAC undertake planning for NATO’s role over next decade in fields of political consultation, defense, science and technology, and East-West information and cultural exchange. (Full text being transmitted by separate message.)⁶

Wigny warned against relaxation under apparent détente. Urged probing of Soviet disarmament proposals with emphasis on conventional arms in which Soviets have greatest strength. Western tactics in this field should be designed to draw Soviets out fully and get them off balance. Repudiated concept of disengagement as obsolete in view modern weapons developments. Suggested flexibility in Western approach on Berlin and Germany and emphasized importance of advance agreement on what West should refuse, and consequences thereof, as well as what should be accepted. Urged NATO consultation on basic policies toward less developed areas. Suggested possibility of special study re information exchange with USSR. Concluded with commendation of Secretary’s proposals re NATO planning for future.

Lange cautioned against unqualified acceptance of détente. Acknowledged some progress made but emphasized basic East-West conflicts remain. Anticipated long process of negotiation with uncertain outcome. Stressed that fundamental Soviet hostility toward West will not soon be abandoned, and that West should not make concessions that imperil its security and democratic institutions. Asserted that, despite these reservations, there is wide range of possibilities for negotiation. Urged initiative and imagination in dealing with new East-West relationships, particularly by probing fully Soviet intentions re disarmament, but warned against unilateral Western disarmament. Suggested possibility of large scale joint East-West program of aid to less developed areas under U.N. auspices.

Lange emphasized importance of NATO political unity and cohesion. Commended NATO arrangements which have inevitably involved some limitations on sovereignty. Warned against inward looking tendencies (e.g. Six’s and Seven’s) that might tend divide Europe and weaken ties between Europe and North America. NATO must be focal point of all endeavors.

Lange indicated gratification at Secretary’s proposal re long-range planning and expressed hope determined effort would be made in this direction.

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396. l–PA/12–1559. Secret. Repeated to London and Bonn and pouched to the other NATO capitals.
1. The verbatim (C–VR (59)43) record of this open session, dated December 15, is ibid., Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1559. There is no summary record of this session. The verbatim (C–VR (59)44) record of the restricted session beginning at 11 a.m., dated December 15, is ibid., CF 1559. The summary (C–R (59)44) record is ibid., CF 1558.
2. Texts of Debré’s and Lange’s statements are ibid., CF 1565.
3. Not found.
4. Record of Washington Consultations Preparatory to a Meeting of the Heads of Government or Chiefs of State of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States summarized the views expressed during meetings between Secretary Herter and the British, French, and German Ambassadors in Washington November 4–December 9 on matters relating to summit meetings. (Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1567)
5. Reference is to the Geneva Foreign Ministers meeting May 11–August 5. Documentation is printed in volume VIII.
6. Polto 1159 from Paris, December 15. (Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–PA/12–1559)