independent  or  joining  up  with  either  Germany  or  France.  There  is  also  an  advantage
  to  be  gained  by  admitting  the  Saar  to  the  Council  and  this  preventing  the
regular  encroachments  which  the  French  are  making  from  leading  to  its  complete
incorporation  into  France.  These  arguments  should  assist  in  securing  German
agreement.
5.  Though  this  is  not  mentioned  specifically  in  any  Assembly  resolution  or  recommendation,
  the  Assembly  thought  that  if  the  Committee  of  Ministers  admitted
Germany  as  an  associate  member  this  year  it  would  be  desirable  to  have  a  special
session  of  the  Assembly  in  the  Spring  of  next  year  so  that  Germany  should  be  able
to  take  a  definite  part  at  an  early  date.  On  general  grounds  I  am  opposed  to  a
special  session  in  the  Spring  and  I  hope  that  a  declaration  by  the  Committee  of
Ministers  now  as  suggested  would  help  us  avoid  it.
6.  As  this  matter  affects  all  three  powers  controlling  the  German  Federal  Republic,
i  do  not  wish  to  take  this  line  without  the  knowledge  of  the  State  Department.
Please  therefore  inform  them  urgently  of  the  line  1  propose  to  take  and  let  me  know
by  Tuesday  next  whether  they  have  any  observations.

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