740.5/2–2152: Telegram
Secto 32. Secy, Eden, and Schuman met with Benelux FonMins to bring them up to date on London conversations with Adenauer. Eden stated he would only hit high spots in view of reports which Mins had already reed from their Ambs at London who had been given full acct of present state of negots by US, UK and Fr officials concerned with Ger. He outlined remaining problems to be settled and read proposed preliminary draft of UK declaration intended counter possible [Page 124] secession from EDC by stressing great interest of UK therein. He described this as a “modernized Locarno” and summarized by saying that general atmosphere was good and that Adenauer seemed anxious conclude soonest. In his opinion complex of contractual relations and EDC present not only best short term arrangement possible but also possible long term solution of Ger peril and Franco Ger problem.
Schuman expanded on security safe-guards and Ger finan contribution. His statement that Ger contribution of 11,250,000,000 DMs for 1952 excluded all Berlin costs and pensions was questioned. Secy said it was his understanding that a portion of Berlin expenditures, of whose exact amt he was unsure but which he estimated about 400,000,000 DMs, was included as representing true def expenditures.
Secy presented US thoughts re problem of secession from EDC, stressing importance US places on EDC which will be reflected in Pres’s msg to Congress transmitting contractual agrmt s (London tel Secto 5, Feb 16 rptd Paris 1776, Bonn 302, Lisbon 1262).
Stikker, who acted as spokesman for Benelux Mins, expressed gratification that atmosphere had improved after recent difficulties in French and German Parliaments. He stressed that in an undertaking such as EDC such intangibles as atmosphere and intention are more important than specific arts. He then raised only serious problem which developed during mtg: what would be Ger fin contribution to EDC not only in 1952 but also in 53 and 54. He stressed at great length need for Benelux countries have precise and detailed info on this point in order make sure that there would be adequate fin resources available to EDC to take care of their forces which would be merged therein. In addition Benelux wanted be sure that Ger fin contribution (after deduction of support costs of allied troops) plus external aid rec’d by Ger would permit implementation of Ger’s 12-division etc program. Benelux had be sure EDC would be solid mil force with effective Ger mil contribution.
Eden and later Secy said that Ger funds available for support of Ger contingents in 1952 could be defined precisely and would in all likelihood be greater than Ger can spend but absolutely impossible give precise figures for 1953 and 1954. Principles however were important, and these had been agreed: Ger’s fin contribution would be established in accordance with same standards as those applying in NATO countries and this would be done in EDC; with ref to allied costs in Ger, there would have to be negots each year between EDC on the one side and US and UK on the other.
In response to Benelux request for further clarification, Benelux experts mtg today with US–UK–Fr experts. No further ministerial talks scheduled pending result expert talks.