740.5/11–1351: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State, at Paris1
1034. For Secretary and Perkins. Subj is Rome action on MED–Middle East Command arrangements and terms of reference appointment SACLANT.2
Hoyer-Millar yesterday told me his instructions were that items heretofore on agenda relating to MED–Middle East Command arrangements and SACLANT terms of ref shld be deleted since UK thought ques not ripe for discussion or decision at Rome. (He mentioned matter generally in CD.) I said my instructions not clear, but I doubted that we wld wish now to agree to eliminate these agenda items. Believe agmt on US position important. In this connection note Def Dept desire that action be taken at Rome to pave way for subsequent discussion with Greece and Turkey.
Since Greek–Turk protocol has not yet been submitted for ratification by Den, Neth and govt action to this end has been expressly conditioned upon satisfactory command arrangements believe it essential that there be discussion by council at Rome of basis upon which Greeks and Turks are to be approached. Believe this desirable even if there is not agmt within SG–MilCom. Mtg of DefMins cld ventilate whole question and in so doing satisfy preoccupations of Danes and Dutch. Attempt to pass over subj without discussion wld have unfortunate repercussions.
Action on appointment of SACLANT raises difficult polit problem here because of PM’s previous position and intention to reserve matter for discussion with Pres in Jan. In spite of foregoing it seems to me consideration shld be given to high level approach to Brit, pointing out adverse public reaction and reaction smaller treaty partners if after one year from Brussels agmt on appointment US officer as SACLANT major treaty partners have been usable to take action.