Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, European Security and the German Question, Volume III, Part 2

601.5162/12–1351: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State ¹

confidential

Paris, December 13, 1951—6 p. m.

3536. Embtel 3041, November 21 (rptd Bonn 78, London 815.)² FonOff informs us question is still open whether Ambs are to be exchanged with Saar or whether contemplated change is to be made in some other manner, and in any event no action will be taken before January 1. After budget is voted, however, something will have to be done reasonably soon to allow funds to be disbursed for Fr diplomatic mission in Saar, since there will be no funds for office of High Commissioner. On other hand, FonOff considers that govt will have some flexibility in deciding time and manner of move, and has promised us adequate advance notice.

As Dept is aware, contemplated move is pursuant to announced Cabinet decision of last March (Embtel 5603, March 21³) which in turn required budget action as reported Embdes 1360, November 20.⁴ In following up on Secretary’s conversation with Schuman, we have impressed upon Fr importance of psychological element with respect to this move, and were told that Schuman himself is keenly alive to this factor and will make decision on timing in the light of reports from Germany about status of projects of common interest. In any event, there is to be no ceremony and change-over is to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Bruce

1. Repeated to London, Bonn, and Strasbourg.
2. Not printed; it reported that Secretary Acheson had remarked to Foreign Minister Schuman upon “unfortunate repercussions that might occur in Ger from exchange of Ambassadors between France and Saar.” Schuman had given no specific assurances in reply, but Embassy Paris believed that Acheson’s remark “should have desired effect.” (601.5162/11–2151)
3. Not printed.
4. Not printed.