Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 2

762.022/9–1453: Telegram

No. 645
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France¹

secret
priority

Washington, September 15, 1953—4:37 p.m.

954. Believe argumentative French reply to Adenauer’s June 25 letter² (Paris telegrams 1044 and 1046) would be entirely wrong way to get negotiations started under auspicious circumstances. Further believe we should not indicate acceptance, tacit or otherwise, of specific points made in draft reply by suggesting modifications or otherwise commenting on substance various points.

Embassy Paris should coordinate with British Embassy in attempt make joint effort head off despatch letter this type. You should point out that Adenauer’s letter sent under election stress and French reply in kind at this time, especially if made public, would be likely seriously upset new atmosphere conducive to negotiation created by election results.

For HICOG: In view last paragraph Paris 1044 repeated Bonn 190 London 172 suggest that in coordination with British HICOM if time permits you urge Adenauer prior his departure on leave to send Bidault message emphasizing desire resume Saar negotiations as soon as much-needed holiday over and new government established, and proposing date as early in October as possible. Must say we also somewhat disturbed by indications given urtels 989, 991³ that Adenauer and Brentano apparently thinking in terms of Saar elections as first step toward settlement. We have long recognized basic weakness French position with regard to non-authorization new political parties but as emphasized at time last year’s negotiations (Deptels 858 August 22, 1952 to Bonn, sent London 1270, Paris 1040 and 1750 October 14, 1952 to Bonn, sent Paris 2145 repeated London 2645⁴) believe that as practical matter new elections should come at end of process by which settlement achieved. If Germans now press elections as first step we fear French will again only become alarmed and such approach will not get negotiations off to good start. Hope therefore you can discourage such German thinking.

Bonn and Paris comment further regarding Van der Goes report,⁵ i.e. specific points probably acceptable both sides and those which clearly unacceptable either side.

Also desire more information regarding circumstances preparation of report.

Since above drafted Bonn’s 1027⁶ received. Embassy Paris should use first sentence last paragraph in discussion with French.⁷

Smith

1. Drafted by Fisher of WE, cleared by Morris, and initialed for the Acting Secretary of State by Bonbright. Also sent to Bonn and repeated to London and Strasbourg.
2. See telegram 1044, Document 643.
3. Telegram 991, Document 642. Regarding telegram 989, see footnote 3 thereto.
4. Telegram 858 is not printed. (762.022/8–2252) Telegram 1750 is printed as 2145 to Paris, Document 629.
5. See Document 640.
6. Supra.
7. On Sept. 16 Dillon reported that he had discussed this telegram with Bidault who said he would examine the note and see what he could do to soften its contents. (Telegram 1087 from Paris, 762.022/9–1653)