Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, European Security and the German Question, Volume III, Part 1

740.5/10–3151: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford), at London¹

top secret

Washington, November 1, 1951—7:51 p. m.

Todep 289. Depto 537 Oct 31.² FYI Slim’s report to CD differs on fol points from US understanding of Bradley, Slim, Lecheres talks Athens and Ankara.³

1. Greeks did not link bringing Yugo closer to West, either directly or by implication, with question of whether or not they shld be under Eisenhower command,

2. In light of SG 80/4, US has considered MEC as NATO command only insofar as def of Turk is concerned; whereas Slim apparently interpreted SG 80/4 and variants thereof as placing entire MEC under NATO control.

3. Although Slim said Aegean must be part of MEC, we never agreed that Gr or Aegean cld go to MEC.

We see little advantage in revealing to CD possible differences between US and UK on these points but especially in ref to subpara 2 wld appreciate further clarification on just what Slim had in mind. In meantime, it may be neces give further consideration here as to whether matter shld be taken up with Brit through other channels.

Webb

1. Message drafted and transmitted by Parsons. Cleared by Defense, EUR, GTI, and NE. Repeated information to Paris.
2. Supra.
3. For telegrams 1707 from Athens and 349 from Ankara both of October 12, 1951, see pp. 594 and 596.