Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western European Integration and Security, Canada, Volume VII, Part 1

200. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Regional Organizations⁰

March 10, 1959, 8:30 p.m.

Topol 3013. Deliver Burgess 8 A.M. March 11. USRO pass Embassy and Thurston. A) Polto 2583, rptd London 698;¹ B) Polto 2582, rptd London 697.²

1. Dept appreciates report contained reftel A, from which we assume that De Leusse did not today clarify status of French action in relation to C–M(55)82 procedure.

2. Re reftel B, Dept concurs with line you took with Spaak that there should be some NAC discussion before reference of matter to military. As already indicated³ we consider that in NAC meeting March 11 US should, in measured terms, indicate seriousness with which US views French action. It likely that De Gaulle’s decision taken in part at least in pique at US, and for this reason it appears desirable pattern our attitudes and possible actions so as to prevent further deterioration US– French relations and, indirectly, further actions possibly of damage to NATO. We know you agree that Spaak and others should take lead in NAC discussion. A firm but restrained attitude by US would seem to be posture to assume at this time, while we await any explanations French may offer, as well as reactions and views other countries.

3. US Element has advised Dept that SGN is awaiting SACEUR’s comments (which we understand are being prepared urgently) as first step in preparing estimate of military effects of French move for transmission to NAC in accordance paragraph 8 (c), C–M(55)82(Final).

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 740.5/3–1059. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Timmons and L. Dean Brown, Officer in Charge of French-Iberian Affairs, and cleared by McBride. Repeated to London.
1. Document 199.
2. In Polto 2582 from Paris, March 10, Burgess agreed with referring the French fleet issue to the military, but he also wanted to give U.S. reaction to the NAC. Spaak and Dutch Permanent Representative to NATO Dirk Stikker agreed. (Department of State, Central Files, 740.5/3–1059)
3. Topol 2995 to Paris, March 9, instructed that Burgess’ statement in the NAC on March 11 should leave no doubt that the United States viewed seriously the French decision to remove its Mediterranean fleet from NATO command. (ibid., 740.5/3–959)