MSA telegram files, FRC Acc. No. 54 A 298, “Paris Repto”: Telegram
No. 27
The United States Special Representative
in Europe (Draper) to the Mutual Security
Agency1
Repto 1556. Porter and Samuels had luncheon conversation yesterday with Villiers, Ricard, and other Fr industrialists, during which discussed general problems European econ federation. Ricard reported with regard Schuman Plan that meeting of leaders steel industry all six countries was held last week at which there was agreement lend full support to Schuman Plan operations but serious anxiety expressed in connection composition high authority.
According our info, virtually all candidates thus far under serious consideration are govt servants with exception one or two labor candidates and perhaps one rep of an industrial federation. Industry is highly disturbed by fact there may be no members high authority with operating experience in industry and whom industry can regard as able speak for it. Some Belgian industrialists with whom we have spoken feel same way.
Attitude generally taken is that US is responsible for creation Schuman Plan and certain Belgian quarters urge that in view that fact we shld now use our influence with Schuman Plan govts to appoint at least some members with industry experience and associations.
A point which was strongly made at above-mentioned luncheon conv with Fr was importance divorcing Schuman Plan discussions and programs from influence of Monnet. Villiers and Ricard insisted that Monnet had gone ahead without serious consultation with responsible industry leaders and as consequence Schuman Plan provisions never adequately studied. They claim Monnet has taken position toward industry that they must accept existing provisions without alteration or else US wld be displeased. They attribute delay in Fr Senate to desire carefully to consider specific provisions so as be certain that plan rests on solid ground and can succeed. Ricard emphatic on opposition to Monnet influence and remarked facetiously that major contribution to success Schuman Plan wld be appointment Monnet as Ambassador to Moscow.
Sent for info and comments.
- Repeated to the Embassy in Paris.↩