640.002/2–348: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
231. ReEmbtel 190, January 28.1 Inquired of Spaak today as to progress conversations with French and British. He remarked he had seen British Ambassador this morning and will see French Ambassador this afternoon, but did not elaborate.
He said at Benelux meeting January 29 through 31 he, Van Boutzelare,2 and Bech3 agreed on following joint action: (1) they welcome Bevin proposal; (2) they do not want series Dunkirk treaties; (3) they want something specific and to point.
Continuing, Spaak said that if five powers, i.e. UK, France and Benelux, arrive at some concrete agreement on Europe, such as entente or alliance, much would be accomplished. Hopes such agreement would include exchange view on many subjects, i.e. political, economic, financial, defense, military, etc. Hopes constant consultation will bring about convergence ideas similar objectives. For example, recent unilateral French monetary measures have been disturbing and matter could have been better solved by some common understanding agreed upon in advance. Hopes formulation such west bloc—he said frankly, would be glad if it were so named—would be tremendous check to USSR and her aggressive westward designs. Mentioned extension such bloc and specifically referred Italy. I inquired whether he intends implement bloc by setting committees or conferences.
[Page 19]He replied structure might be developed from Article 52 UN Charter.4 In subsequent conversations he remarked Foreign Office was studying Rio treaty which afforded precedent and thought that, properly modified, it might serve as basis western pact. (Department’s suggestion5 seems to have borne fruit.)
Re Germany, he said Benelux participation should of course include right to voice in German affairs.
Sent Department 231, repeated Hague 6.
- Not printed.↩
- C. G. W. H. Baron van Boetzelaer van Oosterhout, Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs.↩
- Joseph Bech, Luxembourg Minister of Foreign Affairs.↩
- Article 52 stated that nothing in the Charter precluded the existence of regional arrangements for dealing with matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, provided that such arrangements and their activities were consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations.↩
- The suggestion referred to here is probably that contained in telegram 40 to Brussels, p. 3. The full substance of that telegram was conveyed to Spaak in mid-January, according to Chargé Hugh Millard in his telegram 107, January 16, 1948 to the Department (840.50 Recovery/1–1648).↩