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

850.33/11–1554: Telegram

No. 230
The United States Representative to the European Coal and Steel Community (Bruce) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Paris, November 15, 1954—6 p.m.

Coled 48. Reference: Bonn to Paris 297, November 10.² Monnet’s resignation as president of CSC³ has elicited considerable comment in French, German and Benelux press. Press is in nearly unanimous agreement that he can most effectively contribute to efforts to re-establish policy leading to federal institutions in Europe by returning to France. This view is also generally accepted by officials in Luxembourg. Only Etzel and Sir Cecil Weir expressed sentiment that Monnet in present circumstances could have best helped create a United States of Europe by remaining in Luxembourg. Monnet made sincere effort in wording and timing of his statement to avoid possible adverse effect on ratification of Paris agreements.⁴ Until his mandate expires on February 10, he attaches importance to limiting his activities to strict terms of that mandate. As far as we can ascertain his resignation will have no effect on votes upon Paris agreements.

Bruce

1. Repeated to London, Bonn, Rome, The Hague, Brussels, and Luxembourg.
2. Not printed. Telegram 297 from Bonn to Paris, repeated to the Department of State as telegram 1381, reported that Chancellor Adenauer was greatly disturbed over the news of Monnet’s resignation and felt that this was a terrible blow for the Schuman Plan and for European integration. (850.33/11–1054)
3. According to telegram Coled 46 from Paris, Nov. 11, Monnet sent a letter to each Foreign Minister of the six Coal and Steel Community member states on Nov. 10 announcing his decision not to seek a renewal of his mandate as President of the High Authority effective Feb. 10, 1955. (850.33/11–1154) A translation of this letter and the text of a press communiqué issued in Luxembourg on Nov. 11 were transmitted to the Department of State in telegram Coled 47 from Paris, Nov. 12. (850.33/11–1254)
4. For documentation concerning the Paris Agreements, which were signed at the conclusion of the Nine-Power Conference on Oct. 23, see vol. v, Part 2, pp. 1435 ff.