Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1944, General: Economic and Social Matters, Volume II

103.9164: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

London, October 9, 1944.
[Received October 9—10:14 p.m.]

8528. To Land, WSA, for Conway and Morse from Reed by Chubb.

I. Referring SD 4068.⁶ Canadian position now satisfactorily adjusted.

II. Your SD 4867 [4067]⁷ received during closing hour of final Planning Committee meeting and accordingly no opportunity presented for discussing this informally with representatives of other governments. We brought your proposals directly before the Planning Committee however and they have agreed subject to stipulation that before actual execution of documents by new signatories notification should be given to existing signatories. This does not imply necessity of getting consent of existing signatories which would be recognized as contrary to paragraph 2 of Annex. We feel this stipulation arose from lack of opportunity for full consideration of problem by other nations and reflects primarily a fear that certain ex-enemy neutrals may wish to accede. We do not feel this reservation presents any practical difficulties.

III. Your SD 4073⁸ arrived after adjournment of final meeting of Planning Committee. I will have opportunity however of discussing this matter with British prior to departure. In general I understand British propose operate on basis of one SEPC and one allocations committee whereas notwithstanding strong pressure from Norwegians we have declined to commit WSA to establishment of allocations committee on our side. Nicholson will be in Washington by end of month and this point can be further explored before first meeting of Executive Board. Regarding your final sentence Planning Committee report includes provision that each nation shall submit periodical statements of its requirements “together with statements of tonnage of each government available to meet its own and other requirements.” Am confident there would be no objection in practice to extending foregoing to include availability by loading areas.

IV. Work of Planning Committee completed and report unanimously agreed on basis consistent with our views. Five of us returning Pan American flight 3298. Please advise families. [Reed.]

Winant

6. Department’s telegram 8155, October 5, p. 712.
7. Department’s telegram 8189, October 6, p. 714.
8. Department’s telegram 8177, October 6, p. 715.