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

MSA telegram files, FRC Acc. No. 54 A 298, “Paris Repto”

No. 69
The United States Special Representative in Europe (Draper) to the President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (Monnet)¹

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Paris, July 24, 1952.

Dear Mr. President: The creation today of the European coal and steel community is a happy event indeed for the nations of Europe. This successful development of the Schuman Plan is compelling evidence of the cooperation and the closer integration of the six countries directly concerned. It is both an important landmark, and a directional compass pointing the way toward Eur’s econ and polit future.

My Govt wishes me to express, through you, to the Mins of the six countries gathered in Paris for this historic occasion, sincere congratulations for the initiative and the far-sighted European statesmanship which have made this result possible.

The expanding productive effort and the broader markets in coal and steel, which can be fully anticipated, will improve the standard of living of the people and strengthen the economies not only of the six countries directly concerned, but throughout Western Eur.

Just as the formal beginning of economic integration in the coal and steel industries holds such great promise for the Eur economy, so the signing and the expected ratification of the European Defense Community marks another step forward in the broader context of a common defense effort. Many times my Govt has expressed the hope that the European countries would find it possible to move in the direction of effective economic and political integration. Certainly, in the light of this background and the advances now being made toward this goal, you may be certain that the initiative the six countries are now taking in the economic field will receive our cordial support and cooperation. We look forward with pleasure to a close and friendly relationship with the coal and steel community in all matters of common interest.

Draper

1. Transmitted to the Mutual Security Agency in telegram Repto 260 from Paris, July 22, with the explanation that it would be delivered to Monnet on July 24. An earlier draft of this message was transmitted to the Mutual Security Agency in telegram Repto 184 from Paris, July 17. (MSA telegram files, FRC Acc. No. 54 A 298, “Paris Repto”)