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

762.022/9–2353: Telegram

No. 646
The Secretary of State to the Consulate at Strasbourg¹

confidential
priority

Washington, September 23, 1953—7:28 p.m.

10. British Embassy has shown us position paper provided British Delegation Council of Europe on van der Goes van Naters report. British regard report as useful attempt provide basis for further Franco-German negotiations. Prefer however to leave initiative up to French and Germans. In this connection they believe composition of conference to be convened next year to consider issue makes it too unwieldy to deal with delicate Saar issue. Would prefer to have Assembly refer report to French and Germans for study and consideration during their bilateral negotiations. British also raise specific point about proposed powers of Commissioner re defense.

We generally agree with above British comments. Believe CE actions should aim at spurring on Franco-German talks, but should not seek to take initiative. Therefore believe that timing of any conference called by CE should be flexible enough to adjust to status at that time of expected Franco-German negotiations.

In view of direct US interest in issue and proposal that US guarantee final settlement, you may if queried pass on import of above as tentative US reaction to report and proposed resolution.

Dulles

1. Repeated to London, Paris, and Bonn.