800.85/7–3144: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:59 p.m.]
6086. For Berle and Land, WSA, from Shipping Delegation. After further discussion at the final meeting of the main committee of the Shipping Conference and subsequent informal discussion with the British and other delegates concerned, it has been decided that it will be necessary to issue a statement to the press and that the press release suggested in our 5953, July 27, 7 p.m., should be explained. It is now proposed subject to the Department’s concurrence to issue a statement somewhat along the following lines:36
Begin statement:
United Nations shipping representatives of Governments of the United Nations that are parties to existing arrangements for provision of ships to meet the need of the United Nations have recently met in London to discuss arrangements to ensure the continued availability [Page 673] of their tonnage resources for all purposes of the United Nations in the changed circumstances anticipated during the latter phases of the war.
Delegates of Belgium, Canada, French Committee of National Liberation, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, United Kingdom, and United States have taken part.
The Governments have declared that they accept as a common responsibility the provision of shipping for all military and other tasks necessary for and arising out of the completion of the war in Europe and the Far East and for the supplying of all liberated areas as well as of the United Nations generally and territories under their authority. Existing machinery for control of ships employment is to be adjusted to implement the declaration. Further discussions will take place as soon as possible to complete the details of this adjustment.
Other governments concerned are being informed and will be invited to associate themselves with the arrangement.
End statement.
It is hoped that the reference in the above statement to further discussions taking place will forestall press inquiries with regard to the details of the agreement reached. Norwegian delegates have not yet definitely withdrawn their objection to mention of the war in the Far East in the statement but as both the British and ourselves feel that this reference is important it is hoped that the Norwegians will assent to it. However, we are prepared to delete it if they insist.
The above press statement will be discussed at the meeting of the full Conference Wednesday morning.
- The concurrence of the Department and the War Shipping Administration was conveyed in Department’s telegram 6073, August 1, midnight, to London (800.85/7–3144).↩