78. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Missions in Europe0
2153. Ref: Bonn’s 3349.1 There have been recurring rumors since mid-February of possible French initiative in field of European political integration. Some have concentrated on motion along lines suggested [Page 203] reftel, namely that French might resurface political union proposals by proposing extension of Franco-German Treaty to others of Six who wish to accept.
There have also been suggestions that fusion of existing executives of three Communities might be another aim of French proposals, along with some proposals on role of European Parliament.
Dept now believes there is real possibility that de Gaulle will use occasion of his visit to Germany in early July to lay out a set of European initiatives. Reasons for this belief are: (a) French themselves will wish to set stage for relations with post-Adenauer Germany; (b) to counter widespread notion that French are no longer interested in objective of unified Europe; and (c) to identify France and de Gaulle with Europe in contrast to transatlantic emphasis of President’s trip.
As for the substance of the proposals, it is possible that they will be comprehensive and include not only a proposal to extend the Franco-German Treaty to the other members of the Six if they so desire, but possibly also a comprehensive plan for the reorganization of existing Communities. There may well be some innovations.
The Fouchet discussions on political union and the discussions in Brussels on the reorganization of the executives have given us a clear idea of what likely positions of the Six are. The Fouchet political union proposals shattered on three points: (a) the revision clause; (b) inclusion of the British; and finally (c) links with existing Communities. Points of view on these points have not greatly changed, so that if French were to make “new” proposals, any innovations would probably be related to these points in some way in order to make them palatable.
When Couve de Murville talked with Under Secretary2 he mentioned possibility of a “European Council of Governments,” which might ultimately be chaired by a President, who might, according to Couve, be elected by the Council, or alternatively, voted on directly by a European Parliament. This is the only reference we have seen to French thinking on this subject, but it is quite possible, in view of the stress which Couve appeared to lay on it, that any new French initiative might incorporate such an idea, or be desighed ultimately to lay the groundwork for it.
While it obviously fruitless to speculate in detail on any proposal, and a fortiori to give guidance on such basis, following comments may help addressees in interim.
We would have open mind on proposals if they aimed at true European unification. Questions of links with Community and revision [Page 204] clause are matters that Europeans themselves will have to work out on basis of what is politically feasible and palatable.
From U.S. viewpoint, there are three major desiderata to which posts may address themselves on ad hoc basis:
- 1)
- Whatever form of any political arrangements, they must be based solidly on NATO framework and contribute to its functioning and strengthening;
- 2)
- Effect of proposals should not undermine progress which has been made and can be made in three existing Communities; and
- 3)
- Provision should be made for present or later inclusion such major European powers as UK.
The issue of a strengthened UK-EEC institutional link will be major subject of discussion during de Gaulle visit in Germany in order to find a Franco-German compromise for July 11 EEC Council meeting. Possible that French will therefore suggest to Germans “gesture” permit development compromise position to which they have several times recently alluded. Effect of this gesture could well be vitiated by other proposals in political field, however. On this matter, Dept believes that other Five will have difficult choice between close ties with British and forward progress of “Europe” in view of obvious inability of Britain to move closer to Europe in next eighteen months or two years. On other hand, this is not matter in which U.S. can or should take initiative. Believe defense of this point should be left to others of Six and UK itself.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, Pol 3 W Eur. Secret. Drafted by Vine; cleared with RPE, BNA, WE, GER, and EUR; and approved by Tyler. Sent to Bonn, Brussels, London, Luxembourg, Paris, Rome, and The Hague.↩
- Telegram 3349, June 8, reported that de Gaulle might make an initiative on European political union during his visit to Bonn in July and suggested that this would further ossify the division between the United Kingdom and the Common Market. (Ibid.)↩
- A memorandum of Couve de Murville’s conversation with Ball on May 25, covering trade, monetary policy, and nuclear matters, is ibid., Pol Fr-US.↩