Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 1

No. 21

ECA message files, FRC 53A278, Paris: Telegram

The Assistant Administrator for Programs, ECA ( Porter) to the Acting Administrator for Economic Cooperation ( Wood)

secret   priority

Paris, August 27, 1951—5 p.m.

Repto 4229. Ref Torep 6240.¹

1. Believe manifesto is better than is indicated in your appraisal and that it justifies response proposed in our suggested statement by the President.

2. We, of course, wld like to see more inspiring document which wld affirm more strongly need for and progress toward Eur unity and wld present more sharply defined action program. We have pushed toward this end in our talks with delegations. Stikker will have dinner with me Tuesday and I shall use occasion to state again US views. I also expect to talk to Gaitskell before Council meeting. I believe it is unrealistic, however, to expect any substantial modification of manifesto along lines you indicate since I believe this is about as far as British are willing to go at this time.

3. Blaisdell and Lindeman went to London last week and accompanied by Batt had talks at highest official levels in Cabinet, office, Treasury and Defense Dept and made some progress in obtaining more positive and cooperative approach by Brit.

It is unfortunate that preparation of statement has coincided with absence of many ministers on holiday. However, I doubt that even if ministers had been readily available, fundamental policy decision looking toward European unity wld have been made in time to be reflected in this document.

4. I believe approach to coal problem proposed in Repto 4077² is more meaningful than attempt to define in this document specific steps to raise coal production. There is much hard work yet to be done before Brit and Gers especially can be induced to take these steps.

5. I wld greatly appreciate knowing Tuesday before I see Dr. Stikker what indication can give him concerning the American response.³

Porter

1. Supra.
2. Document 71.
3. In priority telegram Torep 6279 to Paris, August 27, Foster informed Porter that “After discussion here believe separate statements Manifesto should be issued by Acheson and Foster morning August 30. Will cable tomorrow text Foster statement based on modification your draft.” (ECA message files, FRC 53A278, Paris)