Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 2

396.1 LO/10–654: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State ¹

confidential

Paris, October 6, 1954—1 p.m.

1442. DeCourson informed Embassy Saar situation in wake London conference stands as follows:

(1) Likely Mendes-France who has heretofore given no personal attention to Saar will now turn his mind to this problem.

(2) DeCourson is generally optimistic Saar solution will be found though had no new slant on problem beyond indicating further talks with Germans would have to take place. No specific moves yet planned by French.

(3) Saar will not embarrass Mendes-France during this week’s debate on London agreements (confidence question if posed will cover only general principles agreed at London).

(4) Saar settlement will however, be required before Assembly will give final approval any German rearmament plan after NAC meeting.

(5) Saar problem obviously once more entering active phase.

Dillon

1. Repeated to Bonn, London, and Strasbourg.