Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western Europe and Canada, Volume VI, Part 2

740.5/3–2453: Telegram

No. 579
The United States Observer to the Interim Committee of the European Defense Community (Bruce)¹ to the Department of State

secret

Paris, March 24, 1953—noon.

Coled 51. Eyes only for Merchant. I saw Prime Minister unofficially this morning. He spoke briefly about some current financial problems French Government. Then discussed Van Zeeland’s promise Washington that Van Zeeland would proceed press aggressively for ratification EDC in Belgian Parliament in advance French action, if asked do so by Mayer or Bidault. Mayer said could not take this statement Van Zeeland’s as constituting serious commitment. Felt if he, Mayer, were to encourage him go ahead in Belgian Parliament, would meet with evasive response. (Added however he would consider immediately whether he might make such approach today or tomorrow to Van Zeeland, and would be ready talk about it with our authorities in Washington).

I mentioned to Mayer pessimistic and antagonistic reports which we believe have been sent to their respective governments by Ambassadors Guillaume of Belgium and Quaroni of Italy. He said he was familiar with attitude these two Ambassadors.

I then mentioned matter interests in French Foreign Office adverse to EDC. Seemed thoroughly familiar with situation there and told me of rather drastic step he recently took to bring Quai into full support governmental policy. Said Bidault was firmly committed to policy speedy ratification EDC, and told me of recent talks with Bidault on subject.

As to European Political Community, feels there are many contentious features in present treaty text requiring close scrutiny by his government and parliament. Mayer is in favor of political federation, but not of pushing it concurrently with or in advance of EDC, since he thinks this would lose him Socialist and other votes for EDC, which are absolutely necessary if it is to be ratified. He does not expect meeting of ministers in Luxembourg May 12² in connection with EPC to have fruitful results.

Regarding protocols³ believes questions raised by them should be substantially settled today and tomorrow at meetings Interim Committee, and he will go Washington in position state this matter has been in major part satisfactorily disposed of.

He placed particular emphasis on Saar saying he could not proceed to vote on EDC ratification until he had reached agreement with Germans this issue. He believes best chance doing so would be personal meeting or meetings between himself and Adenauer. He will communicate with Francois-Poncet today with view ascertaining whether Chancellor will stop Paris and talk with him on Adenauer’s way or return from United States. Feels however Chancellor will be very difficult, especially on economic and financial attachment Saar to France. Said that Saar represented only advantage in way of “reparations” gained by France; that France had put great deal money into it, and although he was agreeable to Europeanization of area politically, he would persist in maintaining its present economic and monetary status vis-à-vis France. Said this also represents decided feeling Saar population.

I mentioned some recent statements French political figures regarding possible referendum on EDC treaty. He stated he would never consent unless treaty itself were first ratified, but that in his own opinion referendum might prove useful after ratification in order dispose of question as to whether such action had been constitutional. Was afraid of questions as to constitutionality posed bys the EDC and EPC in France, and added this also might include coal and steel community. Similar difficulties would present themselves in Belgium, Holland and Germany. However, there was no use discussing referendum in detail since his govt had not adopted position regarding it and there were many members coalition opposed to it.

He expected to ask in Washington for increased aid to France in connection Indo-China war. Although his objective to build up armies of Associated States, aid extended by US would have to be helpful France to meet its immediate and prospective difficulties since France already shouldering a burden Indo-China which made proper participation in European defense impossible. He expects specifically to ask for disputed 125 million dollars out of present fiscal year’s appropriation, and final action off-shore procurement contracts which he thinks have unreasonably bogged down in Washington.

He stated fully understood impossibility of the US Government making specific pledge aid to be furnished out next year’s appropriations, and would simply lay before the President and Cabinet members what France’s necessities would be during that period.

Bruce

1. After serving as a Consultant to the new Secretary of State for one month, David K. E. Bruce was appointed by Dulles to serve as U.S. Observer on EDC Affairs and as U.S. Representative to the European Coal and Steel Community with additional responsibilities for reporting on the development of the European Political Community. Bruce assumed these responsibilities in Paris beginning Feb. 19, 1953.
2. For a report on this meeting, which took place in Paris not Luxembourg, see Document 167.
3. For documentation on the EDC protocols under reference here, see vol. v, Part 1, pp. 571 ff.