740.5/4–1451: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford), at London1
niact
Todep 366. This is a State Defense Message. Re Depto 782 of Apr. 142 Depto 693 Mar 30.3 Re status of deputies, propose first two sentences of para 10 of draft paper on reorg (as quoted Depto 693) read as follows: “To enable Council effectively to carry out its responsibilities [Page 146] and to exercise them continuously, each govt. shall be represented by a council deputy. Each deputy will represent all ministers concerned with NATO matters in his government, and will be responsible to such minister or ministers as his govt. shall determine.” Remainder of para 10, beginning with sentence “The CD constitute permanent working organ of NAC” wld remain as quoted Depto 693.
We believe first sentence establishes status of deputies as govt, representatives. Second sentence serves to clarify this point by explicit statement that deputies representation includes all ministers, and also emphasizes that deputy is not free agent but is responsible to appropriate officials of his govt. Believe this emphasis important. At same time, second sentence permits each govt. to establish whatever line of direction over its deputy it may choose.