840.70/11–1244: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:57 p.m.]
9879. For Berle from EITO Delegation. ReDepts 9406, November 9.
[I.] Ronald was informed Friday evening84 of the Department’s surprise that the Interim Commission was not functioning on a bipartite basis, that the Department felt the Commission should set about its activities without further delay and that Russian participation would be welcome whenever they wished to take part.
Ronald raised the objection that to set up the Interim Commission at this stage on a bi-partite basis would be likely to raise a host of delicate questions with the Continental Allies that were better avoided. With respect to Russian participation he expressed the view that with Soviet adherence to the EITO agreement in doubt and with the possibility that activities of the Interim Commission would be confined to the areas of Anglo-American military commands, the British Government would not favor inviting the Soviets to join. The British apparently intend to take a strong line with the Soviets. Ronald therefore believes that it would be much better not to set up the Interim Commission as such at this time.
He acknowledged however, the importance of the immediate job to be done, and proposed that Barrington-Ward and Clay be instructed to get to work forthwith under a directive not dissimilar in substance from the draft directive to the Interim Commission, but under another name, and related especially and explicitly to the transportation committees referred to in the Department’s 9406. We stated that we were fully in accord with the proposal that Barrington-Ward and Clay proceed to work along the lines indicated without delay, whether under the draft directive or not, and under whatever designation, in order to meet the needs expressed by SHAEF. We reiterated the view that the Interim Commission should be pushed as such, stressing particularly our belief in its value in dealings with the Soviets, because the Soviets have expressed their approval of it and readiness to participate. Further, if we make known to them that it is actually in operation and that their participation is desired, it may have a value in expediting their favorable consideration of the redraft of the EITO agreement, combining as it would an indication that we have no desire to freeze them out of the picture, or proceed on a limited regional basis without them in a manner that they might regard as inimical but showing at the same time that they cannot immobilize [Page 864] us by noncooperation or failure to reply. Ronald observed that we could not place much reliance on the Soviet statement of approval of the Interim Commission, and that in reminding them of it and asking their participation we might be opening ourselves to a serious rebuff. With regard to Ronald’s objection that the [setting] up of the Commission would raise problems with the Continental Allies we stated that the draft directive was couched in such general terms that the Interim Commission had all the flexibility necessary to take care of the interests and sensibilities of the Continental Allies in any of a number of ways. It was left that Ronald would consult with his people and advise us definitely in a few days of their attitude towards the Interim Commission as such. Clay advises that he is sending Williams to Paris next week at SHAEF’s request to get information on French requirements for shop tools and equipment as to which SHAEF may lack jurisdiction. Incidentally he will find out what if anything has been done by the transportation committees referred to in Department’s 9406 of November 9.
II. Ronald proposes that we should deal with the Continental Allies in sounding them out about the “Ronald formula” and the redraft of the draft agreement through the good offices of Massigli. We offered no comment on this procedure. The Czechs have indicated that in their view it was not entirely agreeable to the Soviets that the French should play too prominent a part in the EITO negotiations, on the ground that there were certain aspects of the nouveau riche in the French position. Whether this reflects a Czech ambition to play a mediatory part or actually reflects a Soviet attitude, we are unable to say. Ronald feels that in view of the recent Soviet acknowledgment of the French position in European affairs there are no dangers on this score. He feels that for us to deal directly with the Continental Allies prior to the presentation of the redraft of the agreement to the Soviets might compromise us with the latter. In the light of our information here and the British position as hosts to the Conference we do not feel inclined to take exception to the procedure Ronald proposes. [EITO Delegation.]
- November 10.↩