Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIII, Western Europe and Canada

51. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State (Ball) to President Kennedy⁰

Washington, November 15, 1962.

Foreign Minister Schroeder told me privately last night that he is deeply concerned because Chancellor Adenauer has developed a considerable ambivalence regarding British entry into the European Common Market.¹ Schroeder says that he and most of his colleagues are keen to see the negotiations concluded, and that he would personally intervene and try to help out the British if he could get any word from the Chancellor.

The Chancellor, said Schroeder, could be influenced only by you. If the United States felt as I had indicated to Schroeder—that we would regard it as a major defeat for the solidity of the Western world if the UK-EEC negotiations broke down—then he devoutly hoped that you would make this clear to the Chancellor when you meet with him this afternoon.

Our own reports from London and the European capitals are alarming. All of the captiousness of the French and the monarchical intolerance of de Gaulle are being brought to bear on the other Europeans to render the British position intolerable. A strong lead from the German side is needed if there is not to be a complete impasse.

The consequences of a breakdown would be serious. It would mean a deepening bitterness between the British and the Continent. It would encourage the most parochial elements in the Six—a growing protectionism, and a considerable erosion of the Alliance. It would almost certainly mean a Conservative defeat in Britain with all the implications that a Labor Government would have for Anglo-American relations.

I do not think I am overstating the case. I feel it very important that you underline to Adenauer this afternoon that lamentable results would follow from letting the UK-EEC negotiations break down over commercial trivia. If Adenauer wants to be a statesman, now is an opportunity.

Secretary Rusk made this general point to the Chancellor this morning, but it will take strong reinforcing from you if it is to have decisive effect.

Geroge W. Ball

0. Source: Kennedy Library, President’s Office File, Germany/Security. Secret.
1. Schroeder accompanied Chancellor Adenauer on his official visit to Washington November 13–16. For documentation on the visit, see vol. XV, pp. 427–443.