840.70/10–1644: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)89
2682. For your confidential information there follows a summary of the EITO conference from October 17 (see Department’s 245290) to date. Ambassador Harriman has seen this telegram.
[The summary of the Conference from October 17 has been here omitted.]
So far as the technical aspects are concerned, various proposals are being considered both in London and at the Department to attempt to find a solution which will skirt the political issues and segregate them from the technical aspects of the proposed transport organization. A solution is being sought which would not only avoid an open break by the Soviets but would attain their participation in whatever organization is agreed upon. If they are obdurate and walk out, the necessity and desirability of establishing a technical transport organization may result in setting up some stop-gap arrangement in which the Soviets would be asked to participate immediately. If they were to decline at this time, the door would be left open to permit them to participate when they are ready.
The Department will welcome suggestions and any comments or reactions which you have noted at Moscow. You will be informed of future developments.