740.5/11–851: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Acting Secretary of State 1
2727. Subj is Eur def forces.
1. At November 6 mtg EDC conf armaments comite,2 Belg del stated with some apparent embarrassment that since it was for the present, at least, the position of the Belg del that NAT force contributions to EDF wld be nationally trained and nationally equipped, he must enter a general reservation concerning all efforts of comite to determine commissioner’s powers to establish and execute a common armament program. He added that he was quite aware that this position was completely inconsistent with the whole tenor of the discussions, and consequently that he did not intend to adhere to it in detail as the discussions progressed. The French chairman, Hirsch, immed replied that, as the Belg del had stated, the Belg position was so completely at variance with discussion of common program that the comite wld merely have to take note of the Belg reservation. Since this exchange Belg del has taken comparatively little part in the discussions.
The Dutch del stated that at a later time Dutch del might wish to enter certain reservations but for present wld not do so. Dutch del has been extremely active and constructive in suggestions concerning estab and execution of armament program; on the whole his position has not varied greatly from that of the French chairman.
Ital del has in general supported French chairman’s position.
Position of Ger del not altogether clear.
2. At November 8 mtg, Dutch del declared that whole del wld meet next week in Hague to arrive at agreed position on major issues now being discussed in armaments and financial comite; and therefore requested that there be no meeting of comite during forthcoming week. Ger del added that his del also wld like to use coming week to reach agreed positions on a number of outstanding issues. Belg del said that he hoped his del cld make a statement on its position next week or week after.