Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western Europe and Canada, Volume VI, Part 1

850.33/10–554: Telegram

No. 227
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States Representative to the European Coal and Steel Community, at Paris¹

confidential

Washington, October 27, 1954—5 p.m.

Edcol 36. Paris Coled 39² Coled 40³ Coled 43⁴ London 1745.⁵ Department welcomes indications that British wish lend further support European integration through association with CSC (London 1745). Believe such association desirable as additional evidence UK intends close ties with continent and as assist to successful operation CSC. While direction of futher measures European integration somewhat uncertain at this time consider important CSC, as example advanced action towards integration, should have all possible opportunity prove successful.

As further information becomes available on negotiations would appreciate clarification following points:

(a) Is UK association now conceived as unique or as model for CSC relations other European countries? Is it contemplated others would eventually be admitted to council of association described Coled 43?

(b) Re proposal to assure deliveries of UK coal to CSC in periods of shortage or overproduction (Coled 39), how would such assurances be reconciled with GATT obligations of non-discrimination on part CSC and UK? Wish keep closely informed this aspect.

(c) Does UK unwillingness lower tariff on steel (Coled 39) stem from fear of competition from continent or reluctance generalize concession to other areas at this time?

(d) Also interested any further indication Monnet’s view of impact London conference on association arrangements mentioned para 3 Coled 43.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Boochever, cleared in draft with Palmer, Fidel, Blake, Frank, and Barnett, and repeated for action to Luxembourg and London and for information to Bonn, Brussels, Rome, and The Hague.
2. Document 225.
3. See footnote 2, supra.
4. Supra.
5. Not printed; it reported that the British were still interested in association with the Coal and Steel Community as a measure of their support for European integration. The British believed that even though the treaty for the European Defense Community was not ratified, the Coal and Steel Community could stand alone and that their association with it would contribute to European integration. (850.33/10–554)