740.5/10–554: Telegram
The United States Permanent Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Hughes) to the Department of State 1
Polto 566. Cotel.
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Perm reps from all NATO countries plus German Del, NATO SecGen, SGLO, and SHAPE Rep met at Palais de Chaillot immediately following restricted NAC mtg reported in separate tel.2
On nomination Can Rep, Steel took chair.
[Page 1372]Chairman proposed two Working Parties: First to deal with Brussels Treaty problems, to consist of reps Nine Powers at London plus SGLO and SHAPE. The other to deal with NATO problems, to include in addition to international reps, 14 NATO countries plus Germany.
Suggested that to keep everyone informed, papers of each would be distributed to all countries and that final recommendations would be reviewed by this 15-country steering comite.
Suggested that it be left to WG to decide need for further subcommittees. Proposed that first mtg be held Thurs As result US suggestions, agreed hold first mtg Wednesday afternoon After considerable discussion it was agreed to accede French request that for public relations reasons first meeting of Brussels WG be held at Quai d’Orsay with understanding that for practical reasons necessary hold subsequent meetings at Palais de Chaillot but WG could change locale for any meeting as thought necessary.
Nor rep, while not wishing make issue of matter now, thought might wish have observer on Brussels Group. Meanwhile, hoped might be possible make comment on Brussels papers. Chairman stated he was sure chrmn each group would welcome arrangement for participation on points of interest.
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- Chairman emphasized time problem and urged that Working Groups complete work in time for steering comite action by Oct 15. This would give govts time to study proposals.
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Chairman proposed that NATO WG set up group to study amendments in NATO SOF agreement to cover new problem of stationing large numbers Allied troops in Germany. Would not expect complete work before ministerial mtg but thought it should be started and preliminary results sent to occupying powers for further discussions with Germans in Bonn. US reserved right discussion substance this suggestion WG meeting Wednesday.
(Amb Hughes will represent US on steering group, Martin on NATO WG, and Page on Brussels Group, with Anderson, Wood and Ernst or their designees as advisers on each of above three bodies.)