850.33/7–1850: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
92. Hunter1 learned conference today that Netherlands cabinet instructed Spierenburg chief Netherlands delegates Schuman plan [Page 741] conference insist Council Ministers have authority by three-fourths majority to instruct supra-national authority on matters relating to defence in coal/steel field. Dutch believe NATO decisions affecting coal/steel production should be translated into action by supranational authority on instructions of Council of Ministers. Dutch also consider Council Ministers and not supra-national authority should have final decision on matters relating wage scales. Other than these qualifications, Dutch certainly favor Schuman plan. In this discussion no mention made of British attitude or influence any direction.
High Netherlands official today told Embassy officer Dutch expect Schuman plan negotiations certainly succeed. Britain not expected join steel-coal authority except perhaps in associate capacity.
Sent Department 92, repeated information Paris 20, Brussels 9, London 16, Luxembourg 1, Frankfort 6, Rome unnumbered. Pass OSR ECA and ECA Missions.
- Clarence E. Hunter, Chief, ECA Mission in the Netherlands.↩