Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 1

396.1 LO/2–852: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom ¹

secret

Washington , February 11, 1952—8:35 p.m.

3828. Dept agrees in gen with US–UK HICOMers views and recommendations (Bonn’s 1475 Feb 7, rptd London 391, Paris 463²). Suggested agenda for mtg with Adenauer tentatively acceptable though we strongly hope points 4, 5 and 6 cld be previously settled with Gers as we believe these subjs wld prove difficult for Mins to handle. Mtg with Adenauer obviously depends upon amt of agreement reached in tripartite talks but we share Eden’s views reported urtel 3467 Feb 8.³

Wish to point out that proposed agenda wld also be agenda for tripartite mtg and results tripartite discussion wld influence final decisions as to items on quadripartite agenda. In addition consider other subjs will likely have to be added to both agendas. In view unsatis nature Schuman reply to Sec’s ltr (Paris 4850 Feb 8, rptd London 1338, Bonn 400⁴) believe we will wish include discussion of Saar problem and Ger’s relationship to NATO on tripartite agenda. May also be necessary to include on agenda of Adenauer mtg item dealing with action to be taken by NAT Council at Lisbon re EDC treaty and EDC–NATO relationships, including security guarantee, in order to be sure of firm Ger acceptance of all interlocking arrangements (see Deptel 1540 of Feb 11 to Bonn, rptd Paris 4746, London Todep 566⁵). Do not wish to leave open possibility of formal NATO action at Lisbon re EDC followed by subsequent Ger disavowal EDC treaty because of unsatis EDC-NATO relationships. You may indicate to FonOff Dept’s thinking along above lines.

Acheson

1. This telegram, which was repeated for information to Paris and Bonn, was drafted by Laukhuff (GER) and cleared in substance with Perkins (EUR).
2. Ante, p. 28.
3. Not printed; it reported that Eden hoped that Adenauer, who planned to attend King George VI’s funeral, would stay on in London a few days until the three Western Foreign Ministers were ready to have talks with him. (396.1 LO/2–852)
4. This telegram transmitted Schuman’s letter of Feb. 7 to Secretary Acheson, p. 26.
5. Not printed.