394.31/6–1352: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Union of South Africa (Gallman) to the Department of State
117. Birch had long unsolicited luncheon talk yesterday with De Waal Meyer, Secy Commerce and Industries, on Union’s proposal aid UK within framework GATT (Deptel 239, May 9, 1952 and related NAC documents).1 De Waal Meyer noted for frankness but used so little restraint in criticizing GATT and failure US express immediate support Union proposals, obvious he wished careful note made his remarks. Fol summarizes his more important observations:
- (1)
- Union greatly disappointed US note May 9 to Jooste. It stated nothing and left matter up in air.
- (2)
- If aid Brit proposed by Union fails secure GATT acceptance, Louw and Havenga2 prepared recommend to Cabinet Union’s withdrawal from GATT. Recognize action wld offend other members, but certain Cabinet wld approve this course if recommended.
- (3)
- Union tired of playing role of internat whipping boy and out of patience “certain members” US delegations who approached GATT on doctrinaire legal basis and completely lost sight fundamental purpose to retain GATT as flexible instrument. US shld take strong lead in supporting Union’s current proposal aid Brit in econ crisis and summarily silence dissident voices within US delegation. This wld [Page 921] take wind out of sails other GATT delegations which delight in attacking So Africa on slightest provocation.
- (4)
- Union was by far foremost in discharging letter and spirit of GATT obligations and had exercised great patience in meeting detailed requirements and constant criticism its trade practices.
De Waal Meyer delivered foregoing in friendly manner and stressed he believed in plain talk. Birch countered with statement US appreciated opportunity examine Union proposals, as mentioned Dept’s note May 9, 1952, and observed De Waal Meyer had no reason assume in advance of indication our final position that US wld be hostile Union’s viewpoint. He also mentioned matter was under careful study and complexity problem in relation GATT necessarily entailed some further delay in formulating position on implications So African proposal.
De Waal Meyer is one of our best sources of info. He is invariably frank with us. We know the Dept will keep this in mind in dealing with his remarks on Union Govt’s attitude toward GATT.
- None printed, but see footnote 5, p. 916.↩
- Nicolaas Christiaan Havenga, Deputy Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa.↩