Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Western European Security and Integration, Volume IV

136. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, December 13, 1955¹

Washington, December 13, 1955

SUBJECT

• European integration

PARTICIPANTS

• Baron van Voorst, Minister, Netherlands Embassy
• EUR—Mr. Merchant
• RA—Mr. Barnett
• WE—Mr. Dunham

Baron van Voorst, who called to discuss European integration problems, mentioned a story by Reston in the New York Times some days ago, and a subsequent story in today’s Times by Schmidt, indicating that the Secretary plans to make a statement at the NATO meeting about European integration, particularly in the field of atomic energy.² He reported that Foreign Minister Beyen is somewhat concerned about the report in the Reston story. They feel that U.S. support through diplomatic channels is more than welcome and has been extremely effective, for example, with the Germans regarding atomic energy. However, they fear that public statements by the U.S. might be counterproductive.

Mr. Merchant assured the Minister that the Reston story was not inspired by the Department, that we continue to have an active interest in European integration, and that we fully realize that the initiative must lie in Western Europe. He said the Secretary does not plan to make a statement on this subject although he expects it to come up in his private conversations with the various Foreign Ministers in Paris.

Baron van Voorst then remarked that the British had discussed European integration problems with the Foreign Office in The Hague recently and the Dutch were surprised to find that the British are taking a more reserved line now. He remarked that it was probably too early to know, but it might be that our diplomatic support in London would be useful in this connection also. He asked whether it was expected that this subject would come up during Mr. Eden’s visit here³ or whether the discussions would be more general. Mr. Merchant said that no definite plans for the discussions with Mr. Eden have yet been made, but he assumed that, since his visit would be short, they would consist largely of a general tour d’horizon.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 840.00/12–1355. Official Use Only. Drafted by Dunham.
2. For the former story, see New York Times, December 6, 1955, p. 1; for the latter, see ibid., December 13, 1955, p. 1.
3. British Prime Minister Anthony Eden was scheduled to visit Washington for a 3-day official visit, January 30–February 1.