[Handwritten note]
12/22/52 encl. but superseded by further draft
Draft of mem on (tel) DA & Dulles
Report of DA's trip to Paris NATO views on High Commissioner for Secretary
[Handwritten] (This memo superseded by one drafted & filed 12/24/52)
December 19, 1952
The Secretary telephoned Mr. Dulles at the Shoreham to say that he hoped very much to see Mr. Dulles and tell him about his trip to Paris. Mr. Dulles said he was leaving on a train within an hour for New York but would be back next week and asked if it could wait until then.
The Secretary said he had had a very interesting time and had gotten a great many impressions from all over Europe about the present situation on the EDC treaty and the French-German situation. He thought that it was urgent to see Mr. Dulles if he was thinking of reaching over the weekend a decision on the High Commissioner for Germany.
Mr. Dulles said he had talked with Mr. Bruce; that he would defer reaching a decision on the High Commissioner until he had a chance to talk with the Secretary next week, although he thought it was important to make an early decision. The Secretary agreed with this, but he thought Mr. Dulles might like to know the impression he had received in Europe, which briefly was as follows: Although the immediate critical movements in Germany are disturbing, the Chancellor believes that he will be able to work through these. There is a very good spirit in France. The Secretary had talked with representatives of most of the Governments and found them determined to go through with EDC, which they believe is essential because it is a part of the whole movement toward unity that is beginning to pick up again. The only trouble seems to be Van Zeeland, and it is thought he will probably not be there long because of the coming elections.
The Secretary said he thought it quite critical to get someone as High Commissioner to Germany who will have the confidence of the Chancellor, who feels isolated at present. That person ought also to be someone who will have sympathy and understanding for and get along with the French.
Mr. Dulles asked if the Secretary thought the person about whom he had talked with Bruce would not be suitable. The Secretary replied that he thought he would cause Mr. Dulles quite a lot of trouble; that he would not be the right confidant for the Chancellor, who in the absence of Mr. McCloy is leaning heavily on Mr. Monnet, who, being close by in Luxembourg, goes frequently to Bonn to see the Chancellor. There is not a good relationship between the person whom Mr. Dulles had in mind and Monnet and the French. The Secretary said he thought the bridge which had been demolished by recent events must be repaired. He thought there was good spirit and strong desire among the European countries to do so and to get EDC to work.
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The Secretary said he was not sure the High Commissioner need be someone who knows a great deal about Germany, but it must be someone who is broad and who can give a sense of confidence and strength.
Mr. Dulles said he would be glad to talk about this on Wednesday, and the Secretary said he would see him at any time on Wednesday.
B.Evans