Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT(Naual Aide) 324 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE May E.O. 12065, Guidelines, Sec. March 6, 1982 WASHINGTON State By DEB Dept. NLT, Date 9-9-85 February 7, 1952 TOP SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS FRANCO-GERMAN French Foreign Minister Schuman has informed RELATIONS Embassy Paris that he believes there was some nisunderstanding on the part of US representa- tives regarding the French statement to the Germans regarding the Saar which the French High Commissione was instructed to deliver yesterday in Bonn. He said the French action had resulted from an unofficial German suggestion as to how the French might be helpful to Chancellor Adenauer in furnishing him with ammunition for the forth- coming debate in the Bundestag. It was in this spirit that the French sent the message which will remain unofficial and will not involve the other occupying authorities. Schuman felt that this procedure was de - sirable, in view of the tension in Germany and France. He did not consider the German approach, or the French reply, represented any - thing more than "probing" which leaves the US and the UK completely free to move as they wish in this affair. The exchange was designed to assist Adenauer in the form that Schuman believes Adenauer wants such assistance to take. Our mission in Bonn reports that, as a result of a request by the British and ourselves, the French message was not delivered immediately. However, when no further instructions were received from Paris, the French made an oral statement to the Ger- - mans at noon yesterday. Chancellor Adenauer's first impression was one of real disappointment that the French statement was not helpful. He objected to the implication that Germany had taken the initiative in suggesting Europeanization of the Saar, and said that France's insistence upon attaching conditions to a discussion was un- acceptable. We understand that Adenauer will tell the Bundestag only that he has reason to believe that France would be prepared to seek a definite settlement of the status of the Saar prior to, and in place of, a peace treaty. The French High Commissioner has agreed to recom- mend that no mention be made in Paris of the French conditions or any German initiative. Adenauer hopes this formula will serve his purpose, but the outcome of the Bundestag debate is unpredictable. TOP SECRET SECURITY INFORMA TION