I saw Mr. Reid while I was in Ottawa on this subject and was shown three Department papers none of which so far has been approved by the Minister. One summarized the views of Missions for the information of the Minister and concluded that the views expressed "varied widely" and did not make any specific suggestions how Article 2¹² might be used. This paper† which was prepared by Mr. Plumptre made specific reference to a talk which he had had with you reporting that in your opinion Article 2 should be regarded as a pledge which could be applied in promoting particular policies as well as general objectives which might be worked out between the signatories of the Pact.

2. The second paper† contained suggestions drawn up by Mr. Plumptre as to the line which the Canadian member might take at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council, now expected early in May. The suggestion was that the Canadian member might propose the setting up of an informal ad hoc group which would consider the following questions:

(a) Is it desirable to establish formal machinery immediately to implement Article 2, or is it preferable to use Article 2 as a statement of principles to guide the signatories in forming their economic policies, and to which each could appeal if it were felt that the action of others was inconsistent with these principles?

(b) If formal machinery were to be established under Article 2, could or should non signatory countries take part?

(c) Bearing in mind (i) that E.C.A. Aid is tapering off, and (ii) that O.E.E.C. consists exclusively of European countries, and (iii) that it is of the utmost military importance that signatory countries on the two sides of the Atlantic should not drift apart, are there any arrangements which should be planned under Article 2, to keep the signatories together?

Plumptre suggested that before taking up a proposal that these questions might be studied following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council, it would be desirable that the questions should be discussed with the United States and the United Kingdom either individually or through the tripartite machinery established in Washington.

3. The third paper† which I saw was a memorandum from Mr. Reid to the Minister suggesting that consideration be given to the Canadian member on the North Atlantic Council making a statement regarding the various possibilities of implementing the non military provisions of the North Atlantic Treaty. Thus reference to Article 1 in which the parties pledge themselves "to settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered ...", might be used as a basis for reviewing the present dangerous relationship between the Soviet Union and the members of the Pact. Action on Article 2 might be considered in a number of different ways, such as the setting up of a permanent committee charged with specific responsibilities or by using the pledge of Article 2 for the purpose of working out joint agreed policies in the economic field to be implemented voluntarily and individually by each signatory. It might also be used to permit periodic discussions of economic problems in the North Atlantic Council with a view to their joint solution. Reference to Article 2 it is suggested by the Minister, might include the point that Canada had some misgivings about present trends, particularly the formation of a European bloc, and a statement of preference that some consideration be given to a "North Atlantic" approach to these problems.

4. Article 4 which provides that the parties "will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened" might be employed for discussion of the present dangerous situation in Southeast Asia as well as other areas, in which the "security" of any of the Parties is particularly threatened by Communist aggression.

5. Mr. Reid left me with the impression that no attempt would be made to urge the establishment of any formal machinery at the next meeting of the North Atlantic Council. The Minister had expressed a desire to have the fullest possible consideration given to the line which he might take in the Council and every possibility was being explored. Mr. Reid said that he had read with interest our report of State Department views on the possible agenda for the Council meeting and hoped that further reports would follow. He thought that the Minister would probably express his views on the papers which had been submitted to him some time this week and a telegram would be sent to you indicating the particular lines of thought which the Minister wished to be explored with the State Department.

G[EORGE] I[GNATIEFF]

¹²En vertu de l'article 2 du Traité de l'Atlantique Nord, les parties doivent renforcer leurs institutions politiques libres et harmoniser leurs relations économiques internationales afin de favoriser la stabilité et le bien être.
Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty commits the parties to strengthening their free political institutions and to harmonizing their international economic relations in order to promote stability and well being.