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

840.70/10–244: Telegram

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

London, October 2, 1944—8 p.m.
[Received October 2—5:30 p.m.]

8233. To Berle from Allison, Hooker, Moats. Re Department’s 8017, September 30.⁴⁰ At a meeting with Ministry of War Transport and Foreign Office representatives Monday, October 2, British adhered to view that the setting up of the Interim Commission as a formal body at this time would be impractical and confusing to Conference. They suggested, however, as their nominee to the Commission, who was also their nominee to the Executive Board, would be a member of their delegation to the Conference, that if our nominee to the Commission were here also they could be constituted a committee by action of the two Governments, without reference to the Conference, to function in accordance with the terms of the draft directive insofar as they are applicable to the SHAEF area. They conceded the necessity for this step because of the growing pressure for action in the existing transport crises in France and Belgium.

The Soviets, who have arrived and with whom we expect to meet tomorrow, are to be invited to join in this formal arrangement, at the beginning or at any time they wish. At such time the area covered would be expanded to include all of that falling within EITO’s proposed scope. So long as they do not wish to participate, they will not be asked to send an observer since the committee at that time would limit its functions to the SHAEF area.

We feel that this arrangement secures the substance that we sought in the immediate setting up of the Interim Commission, the differences being that the committee, in order to avoid confusing the Conference, will not be publicized and will be considered an informal body.

Clay and Williams⁴¹ should therefore leave as soon as possible and it would be appropriate for Clay to be a member of the delegation.

Re Embassy’s 8820 [8220], October l.⁴² We will inform you further with respect to the prospects for the Conference after we have seen the Russians. [Allison, Hooker, and Moats.]

Winant

40. Not printed.
41. Ernest Williams of the War Production Board. Department’s telegram 8017 indicated that he was being considered as a personal assistant to Clay. (840.70/9–2544)
42. No. 8220 not printed.