740.5/4–2454: Telegram
The United States Delegation at the North Atlantic Council to the Department of State 1
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Secto 11. Limit distribution. Secretary met with Spaak this morning2 and was informed three Benelux Foreign Ministers had agreed [Page 950] present to EDC interim committee next week formula to meet Mollet’s demands for democratic control EDC. Spaak will see Mollet this afternoon to attempt satisfy him, and will also see Hallstein today to endeavor obtain consent German Government. His contacts with French Government officials lead him believe such Benelux initiative can be effective. He feels sure Italians will interpose no objection. He hopes IC can agree April 28 on measures which will permit Mollet proceed convocation Socialist Congress.
Spaak feels majority for EDC exists French National Assembly if government pressed issue. He did not indicate great concern over coming to power Mendes-France as such but feels circumstances attendant any such change of government in France would cause long and perhaps fatal delays EDC. He feels serious political errors of De Gaulle have eliminated possibility his return to power which otherwise would have been virtual certainty, especially if disaster in Indochina.
In response Secretary’s outline gravity in US failure bring EDC into being promptly, Spaak said French parliamentarians simply did not believe US would basically alter its European policy though smaller states vividly aware danger caused by failure French leadership. Finally, Spaak said possibly Germans should make statement re Saar indicating their ultimate position (which would be, however, contingent on EDC ratification). However, in view atmosphere France especially due Indochina problem, Spaak thought it undesirable threaten French with restoration German sovereignty in event EDC fails.
Spaak promised all possible help and De Staercke will remain in close contact US officials Paris.