840.50/11–1744: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 17—10:41 a.m.]
10061. Ronald and Hawkins had lunch with Sobolev, Minister Counselor of Soviet Embassy, and discussed with him at some length the proposed European Economic Committee. Sobolev seemed to feel that some such consultative machinery might be needed. Later he got in touch with Ronald with a view further to developing his ideas on the subject. Sobolev inquired whether the proposed committee might discuss such matters as power, fuel and the kind of agricultural production which should be undertaken in each country, to which Ronald replied that in his view all of these things might appropriately be made the subject of discussion in the Committee. Sobolev asked Ronald whether the Committee would be an advisory body, to which Ronald replied in the affirmative. In passing the foregoing on to the Embassy, Ronald said that Sobolev’s interest might imply an awakening interest on the part of the Soviet Government in the proposed committee or at least an interest on the part of Sobolev that might influence his Government.