840.50/391½: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State

2693. Department’s telegram 1995, May 7, 6 p.m.

1.
Last Monday I handed Eden a memorandum embodying the Department’s proposals. I personally thought it was a fine statement based on broad and constructive lines. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to forward it. The British are very pleased with it and in general agreement, though they may have some further suggestions to offer. I expect a reply from Eden shortly.
2.
Leith-Ross is glad to have the opportunity of going to Washington for the proposed discussions.
3.
Is it the Department’s intention when Eden’s reply has been received to approach the Chinese and Soviet Governments or is it proposed to do this jointly with the British?
4.
It is Leith-Ross’s opinion that such preliminary discussions presumably cannot be kept secret and that therefore other Allies, members of the Post-War Requirements Committee, should be notified some time before the Washington meeting. If the Department agrees with this viewpoint the British would welcome as soon as possible its ideas on when and how the other Allies should be informed of the proposed discussions.
5.
Leith-Ross is inclined to think that it would smooth the course of future developments if some of the other Allies on Post-War Requirements Committee were to be asked to sit in on the preliminary Washington discussions. He suggested Norway and Holland and possibly Belgium and Poland. They might sit in as observers. I personally particularly like the makeup of the Executive Committee suggested by the Department with membership limited to the United States of America, Great Britain, Russia and China. I also feel that if the Russians could be informed of this at this particular juncture it would have a favorable influence on their relations with us.
Winant