800.796/563: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
475. The following is the draft agenda proposed by this Government for the preliminary discussions on international civil aviation mentioned in the Department’s 389, February 23, 9 p.m., also referred to in your 663, February 28, 1 p.m.
[Here follows text of draft agenda printed on page 378.]
It is believed that our proposed agenda will give the Soviet Government a general idea of the major subjects which we believe would merit consideration in these exploratory talks. You may wish to inquire whether the Soviet Government has any suggestions for additional [Page 401] points to be considered. In any event, it would be very helpful if you could telegraph at an early opportunity a summary of any information obtainable on the Russian views and supporting arguments on each of the items mentioned above, as well as on any subjects they may wish to add. In our proposed bilateral discussions we anticipate that the British, Canadians and possibly others will support proposals for an international air transport authority to have certain regulatory powers, and Russian views on this subject also would be of decided interest.