Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 September 14, 1950 State Dept. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 By, DEB NLT, Date 6-7-85 SECRET SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS FOREIGN MINISTERS In a discussion of the German problem conducted by the three western Foreign Ministers in New York, four measures recommended by the respec- - tive German High Commissioners to prepare German opinion for possible German participation in western Europe's defense were approved. These measures included: 1) agreement to increase the strength of the allied forces in West Germany, which was approved with the added provision that free movement of US, UK and French troops across the varied allied zones would be studied; 2) a decision to renew in a declaration the allied intention to protect the German Republic and Berlin from "aggression from any quarter;" 3) a decision to organize unified forces to demonstrate that Europe, including Germany, can and will be effectively defended; and 4) agreement to give West Germany means to ensure its internal stability against Communist violence and subversive activities, with a decision also reached to authorize the German High Commissioners to attempt to resolve the differences between the French view that such means should be made available through use of German state police and the British belief that a federal force would be more effec- tive. Continuing the discussion on Germany, Bevin expressed his agreement with the point made by the Secretary that our policy stipulating that Germany should share responsibility for the defense of Europe should be synchronized with other German policies, especially with respect to allowing Germany increased latitude in the field of foreign affairs. Bevin and Schuman agreed with the Secretary that a joint declaration of intent to terminate the state of war with Germany would be desirable, with the actual date of termination to be fixed later. The Ministers also concurred in a resolution stating that the North Atlantic Council approved the concept of an integrated force under the North Atlantic Treaty adequate to ensure the successful defense of Europe, and they dis - cussed the problem of the timing of the appointment of a supreme commander for that force, with decision deferred.