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

762.022/11–2853: Telegram

No. 660
The United States Representative to the European Coal and Steel Community (Bruce) to the Department of State¹

secret

Paris, November 28, 1953—6 p.m.

Coled 105. Limit distribution. Subject is Saar. Re Hague Embtel 469 to Department of 28 November.² According to member of German delegation at Hague,³ Germans are mildly encouraged at results of Adenauer–Bidault talk on Saar yesterday afternoon. For the first time since Bidault became Foreign Minister, the two leaders went over points at issue one-by-one and where they reached no agreement at least clarified positions as basis for future compromise. They will meet again in mid-December; meanwhile, Francois-Poncet will continue preparatory talks with Adenauer and Hallstein.

Following is summary of major developments in talks, based on Hallstein’s notes. Our informant cautioned us that Bidault was vague, on some points seemed uninformed, and that reported agreements may not be firm.

1. Major development was agreement in general terms that settlement when reached should be approved by Saar population in a free, direct referendum in which parties themselves would not need to play role. Approval of settlement would be followed by free elections in Saar. Germans understood Bidault to agree that all parties would be admitted in such elections. If this agreement stands it represents significant concession from Chancellor’s previous position and major step forward; it was chiefly on this question that Adenauer–Schuman negotiations in autumn 1952 broke down.

2. On a certain number of other points Germans believe agreement reached or close:

(a) Saar is to be recognized as German in culture and language;

(b) Saar to be autonomous European territory under European control. Who should exercise control not agreed, and nature of control not discussed in detail;

(c) Discussion on ownership and control of Saar coal mines was confused, but Germans received impression Bidault would admit German share in control of mines.

(d) Bidault reported to have agreed to desequestration of German-owned steel works in Saar, but timing not clear;

(e) It was agreed that Saarlanders should be “European citizens”.

3. On economic and financial problems both sides stated positions without reaching agreement. Bidault stressed maintenance of monetary and customs union while Adenauer asked for creation new Saar currency. Chancellor asked for acceptance in principle of free trade between Saar and Germany; Bidault did not accept principle, but admitted concessions could be made on such trade. Although there was no agreement, Germans apparently feel useful start has been made on this problem.

4. Two matters of principle were raised on which stated French and German positions irreconcilable:

(a) Adenauer brought up again idea of adding strip of French territory to area to be Europeanized. Although Bidault undertook to study the idea, past reactions indicate impossible Bidault or French Government to accept this suggestion.

(b) Bidault suggested supervisory authority for Saar should emanate from committee of Ministers of Council of Europe. Chancellor insisted that it be organ of European community. Germans not prepared to yield on this point. They consider Council of Europe incapable of exercising effective control; insist Saar could not develop into real “European area” under Council of Europe, and remain unwilling that “Europeanization” be simply new name for status quo.

Above information received in strictest confidence. German informant particularly stressed that conversation not be divulged to Quai d’Orsay.⁴

Bruce

1. Repeated to Bonn eyes only for Conant.
2. Telegram 469 reported that the German Delegates had said that Adenauer had come to The Hague prepared to deal seriously with Bidault on the Saar, but that they were not optimistic about the chances of settlement. (740.00/11–2853)
3. The Foreign Ministers of the Schuman Plan countries met at The Hague at the end of November 1953.
4. On Dec. 1 Hallstein and Gerstenmaier met with Secretary Dulles in Washington to discuss questions relating to Germany. Hallstein commented briefly on the Adenauer–Bidault conversation, saying that on the whole the Chancellor was somewhat encouraged by the talks. A copy of the memorandum of Hallstein’s conversation with Dulles is in PPS files, lot 64 D 563, “Germany”.