40. Editorial Note
On June 4, 1964, Secretary of State Rusk discussed with Robert R. Bowie, Director of the Harvard University Center for International Affairs, the possibility of his preparing a study “of how the Atlantic nations might improve their structures and procedures for concerting policy and action.” Rusk asked that the study be completed in the fall and that it consider the contingencies that President De Gaulle remained in power beyond 1965 or that he left office at the end of that year. (Memorandum of conversation, June 4; Department of State, Central Files, DEF 4 NATO)
Bowie consulted extensively with officials in the Departments of State and Defense and in July visited Europe where he continued discussions with U.S. representatives in London, Bonn, Paris, Brussels, and Rome and with various foreign officials. Bowie visited Europe again in September for a meeting with key U.S. officials at London before drafting his report.
The resulting 25-page report, completed on October 15 and transmitted to Rusk 5 days later, began with the premise that Atlantic relations were at a critical stage, and concluded that NATO should be reorganized to include a strengthened executive, six ministerial meetings each year, and expanded political consultations. With regard to military questions, Bowie proposed the creation of a Defense Minister with an integrated planning staff, abolition of the Standing Group, attachment of the Military Committee to the Defense Minister, and the creation of a central integrated reserve force to lay the basis for the integration of all NATO forces. A copy of the report is ibid., POL 3 NATO.