840.70/10–844: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8—1:38 p.m.]
8488. To Berle from Allison, Moats and Hooker. Massigli has informed the Foreign Office that he intends to demand formal inclusion of France in Article III, Section 5, EITO draft agreement, as fourth power with right to nominate a member of the executive board. It was expected that a French member would be nominated by the council to one of the two remaining places on the executive board and Massigli has been so informed confidentially, but we understand they will be satisfied only if the agreement specifically includes them. If this is refused they might, as in the case of the shipping agreement, refuse to sign.50 In this connection we feel bound to point out that unlike the shipping agreement the EITO agreement can not be effective without French participation. Their inclusion by name in the agreement would undoubtedly introduce complications with respect to the remaining small powers as only one place on the executive board would remain. Some formula would have to be found to cover this.
However, before going into question of formula, we urgently request the Department’s instructions regarding French demand. The Foreign Office has asked us in view of the possible bearing on France’s participation in other international organizations to obtain the Department’s views. [Allison, Moats, and Hooker.]