Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT ( Naval Aide) 85 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 September 18, 1950 State Dept. Guidelines, NLT, Date March 6-7-85 6, 1982 TOP S E C R F Fee By DEB SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS NOR TH ATLANTIC In the meetings of the North Atlantic Council COUNCIL over the weekend, the Secretary strongly stated our position on the creation of a European defense force, emphasized the necessity for the participation of German units in this force, and stressed the need for agreeing on a common sense of direction for the defense of Europe. The discussions in the Council revealed that all members, except Foreign Minister Schuman, apparently were prepared to take an affirmative decision in principle on the participation of German units. Although Schuman was placed under great pressure from all sides to accede, his instructions from the French Government apparently do not permit him any latitude on this subject. In an effort to break this impasse we instructed our Ambassador in Paris to present in the strongest terms to the French Government the necessity for French acquiescence in this measure as soon as possible, pointing out the extreme gravity with which con- tinued French unwillingness to concur in a decision by the other eleven North Atlantic Treaty governments will be viewed in the US. We have further suggested that the French and the UK Defense Ministers should proceed immediately for discussions on the subject. Meanwhile our Ambassador in Paris reports that the reaction of the French Prime Minister to our representations was one of full aware- ness of the gravity of the situation and a feeling that such discussions would be helpful. The matter will be presented to the French cabinet today along with a suggestion that the French Finance Minister accompany the Defense Minister in view of the financial questions in- volved. In further discussions the Council: 1) took no action on proposal by Portugal that the Council consider the ques - tion of Spanish participation, not necessarily membership, in the North Atlantic Treaty; 2) decided that at the present state of develop- ment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) it is not feasible to extend the treaty to Greece or Turkey; however, it would be desirable, if these governments so desire, to make arrangements for them to be associated with such phases of the military planning work of NATO as are concerned with the defense of the Mediterranean; T.OPSECRET