740.00113 EW/7–844: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
1690. Answering your 2469, July 8, 9 a.m. Department does not believe it desirable that Russians be invited to appoint technical experts to engage in exploratory reparation discussions until questions of procedure have been definitely settled with British.
As you will see from following message sent to London today,98 attempt is now being made to reach such procedural agreement. Pending advice from Department that these arrangements have been completed, you are requested to defer action in the premises.
“AmEmbassy London.
We have just received an inquiry from Moscow asking whether invitation should be extended to Russians to appoint technical experts to participate in exploratory conversations referred to in our 5266, July 4, 6 p.m.
We believe that before extending such an invitation it is necessary for us to reach agreement with the British as to the procedure to be followed. Such an agreement need not await British government’s decision on position they will take on substance of the discussions. Since Russians will probably take some time after being invited before assenting to participate, the need for prompt action in preparing the ground for the discussions should be evident.
You are accordingly requested to take the necessary steps to reach definite understanding with British on procedure, especially (1) list of topics to be covered, (2) place, (3) relation of EAC to conversations, (4) “level” of conversations. Please keep Department fully informed of progress made.
Sent to London, repeated to Moscow.”
- As telegram 5512.↩