59. Telegram 9398 From the Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany to the Department of State1
Cairo for U.S. Del. Geneva for CSCE Del. Subject: U.S./EC–9 Consultations: EC–9 Ministerial Discussions.
1. At June 10–11 EC–9 Ministerial meeting in Bonn, the Ministers confirmed Foreign Minister Genscher’s introductory explanation of the “Gentlemen’s Agreement” reached between the U.S. and the Nine on the consultation issue. In his introductory remarks Genscher read off the consultation formula agreed to at Gymnich and confirmed at the May 27–28 Political Committee meeting (see Bonn 8600—para 2, Limdis). Genscher then reminded the Nine that all information and documents regarding EC consultations are confidential and normally should only be shown to outsiders by the Presidency. Finally, Genscher described the “basically favorable” U.S. reaction to the Gymnich formula and said that the U.S. was prepared to go forward on that basis. He noted, however, that the U.S. attached great weight to both sides manifesting the will to make this informal arrangement work.
2. Sauvagnargues (as well as the other seven Ministers) fully subscribed to the above approach, saying he thought the dispute over consultations had been somewhat artificial and had been tied up with underlying substantive issues and differences. Sauvagnargues said he was delighted that the matter had been solved in an informal way and that “it was normal to talk to our friends before, during and after events.” Sauvagnargues added, and the other eight Ministers agreed, that such consultation arrangements obviously do not detract from the right of the EC–9 or of the GOF to take independent decisions. Our German source added, and we concurred, that no one ever disputed that point.
3. EmbOff then reminded FonOff official of the importance of continuing close bilateral contacts between the U.S. and FRG as well as [Page 241] other EC–9 member states. EmbOff stated that such bilateral contacts concerning developments in EC political consultations would be important in supplementing official information from and consultations with the Presidency. FonOff rep recalled Genscher’s second point, made above, that the Presidency should be the principal channel and that Bonn considered this corresponded to U.S. wishes. However, he assured us that bilaterals would continue, “as a sort of safety valve,” and might best be utilized following AmEmbassy official contacts with the Presidency. Comment: We are both talking about the French Presidency, and one can assume the Germans have gotten the message. End comment.
4. EC–9 Ministerial meetings during the French Presidency are scheduled for Sept 16 and Nov 18 in Paris. First Political Committee meeting in Paris is planned for July 8. There may be one more Political Committee meeting in Bonn later this month. An EC–9 summit seems most unlikely during the German Presidency.
- Summary: The Embassy reported an EC Ministerial discussion of a
U.S.–EC consultative
mechanism.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974. Confidential; Priority. Sent for information to London, Paris, Rome, Brussels, The Hague, Luxembourg, Dublin, Copenhagen, Ottawa, the Mission to NATO, the Mission to the EC, the Mission in Geneva, and the MBFR Delegation in Vienna. Sent priority for information to Cairo. On June 11, Genscher informed Kissinger that the EC President would be empowered “to consult on basis of unanimous consent, supplemented by bilateral contacts.” Genscher and Kissinger agreed that while this procedure was not new, “it now seemed to be infused with a genuine will to consult, which was new.” (Backchannel message WH41810 from Rodman to Hillenbrand, June 12; ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 425, Backchannel, Backchannel Messages, Europe, Vol. II, 1974 (1 of 2))
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