840.50/11–744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)41
10129. Reference London’s 10061, November 17. The proposed European Economic Committee was recently discussed with Ambassadors Harriman and Winant. Harriman felt strongly that any attempt [Page 634] to include the Polish Government in London at the present time would result in Soviet refusal to participate, the same being true if Swiss, Spanish or Portuguese were included. It was felt that a more fruitful approach would be to start the organization with the Western European Liberated Areas only and for the U.S., U.K. and Soviet Governments to participate through their membership in the Control Commissions for Germany and the Allied Commission for Italy.
At the same time there was some discussion of renewing the proposal for a Southeastern European Economic Group, with comparable participation by Control Commissions.
Our desire to oppose the establishing of economic spheres of influence could be met by proposing these two groups as interim organizations looking toward an organization which would cover all Europe, including, when appropriate, the neutrals.
The above discussion was exploratory but may assist you in any further informal discussions you may have.
- Repeated to Moscow as telegram 2778.↩