Bruce Mission files, lot 57 M 38, “U.S. Loan—Implementation”
No. 222
Robert Eisenberg
of the Office of the United States Representative to
the European Coal and Steel Community to Louis C.
Boochever of the Office of European Regional
Affairs1
informal
Dear Lou: Thank you very much for your letter of September 8th2 which was very informative and helpful. I am glad to hear that the Boochevers are expanding and wish your wife the best of luck.
[Page 402]It seems to me that I have met Bob Barnett some several years ago, before I left for London, and I dare say I am pleased to see him at Miriam’s desk. Perhaps he will find an opportunity of coming over here to see how things go.
The fact that Mr. Dulles has repeatedly stressed U.S. interest in the continuation of the European integration effort has made a very good impression here. The High Authority, in a way, is forced to demonstrate to the world that the rug has not been pulled from under their feet but that they continue to do what the Treaty intended. Whether this will mean a more courageous approach to problems involving national interests or a more careful one, only the future can tell. I have the impression that they are uncertain as to the attitude of the French Government to the CSC.
We have not received the letter which Ruth was promising with regard to the FOA plan to dispose of 10 million tons of coal. I wish you could make sure that FOA gets full benefit of the Department’s advice when the interests of any of the six countries are involved, directly or indirectly. Fortunately, it has been made clear that the coal would not be sold at $10 in Europe but at $10 plus freight. It might become desirable for us to cooperate with the High Authority to some extent in connection with any plans to dispose of coal in the CSC.
The report on CSC for the GATT meeting is now being prepared and I hope to get a copy soon. I have suggested to Mr. Tomlinson specific steps to be taken by us to assure that the GATT meeting speeds up the High Authority’s work on cartel questions and hope that our suggestions will find the approval of the Department.
The question of the German coal restrictions appears now in a new shape. According to reports from Bonn and The Hague, the Germans permit the import of about 2 million tons of U.S. coal per year provided they can pay for it in soft currencies. This should be a honey for our confrères in OFD and Treasury.
Several memos and telegrams have been written by me dealing with the U.S. loan, etc. etc., and I trust you are receiving Ben Moore’s copies promptly.
With regard to messages for our Delegation, there should be no difficulty to obtain copies of telegrams, although sending cables to the Legation marked “Bruce Mission” speeds up the transmittal to us and is therefore desirable. In instructions, however, and any other pouched material, you should make it a point to write “For Bruce Mission” to avoid the material from being sidetracked or delayed as a result of some mistake in handling.
Luxembourg is already deep in the cold season, in fact they never had a summer this year. However, life is quite tolerable and I am ready to stay on even beyond April 1955 when my reserve assignment [Page 403] ends, provided that the Department desires so and transfers me permanently into the FS. Otherwise, the job is yours and you can have the house too.
With kindest regards,
Sincerely,