700.00(S)/7–1653: Circular telegram
No. 606
The Secretary of
State to Certain Diplomatic Missions in
Europe1
Infotel. US representative on North Atlantic Council has reported to Council on US–UK–French Foreign Ministers talks2 along following lines: Re USSR and satellites there was general agreement that while too early to determine exact significance Beria purge, it may mean tougher nationalistic Soviet line; recent softer internal Soviet line very possibly caused by pressure of public opinion within USSR as well as in satellites especially eastern Germany and Hungary; peace offensive destined as offensive weapon against West has boomeranged against Soviets at home; while situation still unclear, major events obviously taking place and at rhythm unprecedentedly rapid in communist world; basic policies of West have been successful, particularly in preventing consolidation Soviet world, and should be pursued without faltering; at same time tactical flexibility in application our policies should be preserved [Page 1210] to take advantage of developments in USSR; West should support and develop hopes of satellite peoples for eventual freedom while avoiding inciting open revolt. Agreed on necessity reaffirm publicly and vigorously policy their governments in support European unification and EDC in particular. Ministers considered danger inherent in holding four-power talks with USSR before establishment EDC but felt proposal such talks might help Adenauer in German elections and also assist EDC ratification in France. US and UK Foreign Ministers stressed that EDC would remain firm in policy their governments and that four-power talks would not be permitted reopen question of EDC. (Additional information contained in Wireless Bulletin July 14.)