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

762.022/4–2854: Telegram

No. 679
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Geneva¹

secret

Washington, April 29, 1954—7:17 p.m.

Tosec 41. Limit distribution. Re Embassy Paris 4112,² Department was encouraged by Schumann’s improved approach to Saar negotiations reported Paris 4011³ and regrets that Chancellor and Hallstein apparently disinclined pursue matters further with Schumann (Bonn’s 3292 to Department⁴); however, Department doubts whether message from Secretary to Adenauer, suggested Paris 4112, advisable or appropriate.⁵

Fact that Hallstein and Adenauer now seem inclined to acceptance van Naters plan in toto is encouraging and in line US–UK view; we hope that French would move towards full acceptance of that plan. Germans as well as French have already indicated readiness make substantial and difficult concessions during course of recent negotiations. Believe that both sides, rather than just one, should be encouraged at appropriate times and in appropriate manner to continue to seek agreement and to do so being as generous, flexible and understanding as possible. Department inclined believe we should continue to withhold any substantive comments on details of agreement until just prior to Adenauer–Bidault meeting particularly in light possible further delay this meeting as result developments reported last para Paris 4112.

Suggest that matter of US–UK intervention and timing thereof be discussed by Dillon, Bruce and Hughes with Secretary at dinner understood scheduled for May 3 with view to determining best course of action.

Smith

1. Drafted in WE and GPA, cleared by Lyon, WE, and RA, and initialed for the Acting Secretary of State by Bonbright. Repeated to London, Paris, and Bonn.
2. Telegram 4112 reported Dillon’s concern that the Germans believed all French concessions on the Saar to be merely bargaining positions. (762.022/4–2854)
3. Supra.
4. Not printed. (762.022/4–2754)
5. On Apr. 30 Secretary Dulles, who was in Geneva for the Conference on Indochina and Korea, reported that he too was not disposed to send a personal message to Adenauer on the Saar. (Secto 52 from Geneva, 762.022/4–3054)