840.70/12–2044: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
10687. For EITO Delegation. Department’s preliminary reaction to Foreign Office proposal outlined in Embassy’s 11309 of December 20 is unfavorable. Department’s views are based upon the following considerations:
- 1)
- It is believed here that since Continentals strongly rejected Ronald formula they would likewise reject this proposal. Department shares delegation’s apprehension of repercussions which would arise by limiting interim organization to SHAEF or SHAEF–SACMED areas, thus resulting in a purely western European organization.
- 2)
- Since time of formation of a control commission for Germany is uncertain it is possible Polish question might not be solved by that time and whole issue would again arise. It is unwise to make functioning of EITO dependent upon or tied in with establishment of a control commission.
- 3)
- Department still believes that Soviet participation will not be determined by any formula or device designed as gestures in order to avoid current Polish problem.
Department seriously questions the amendment made to Article XIII (EIT/26) agreed to at the meeting on December 9, 1944 permitting amendment of agreement by two-thirds majority. While it is clear that this might make it easier to amend agreement to meet Soviet wishes, it is also true that once Soviets were members, the agreement could be reamended in spite of their objections. It is Department’s impression that this amendment would not be acceptable to Soviets.
Amendment would be undesirable from Department’s point of view for it could greatly limit effectiveness of Executive Board. The four powers having the right to nominate members thereon could be outvoted in the Council with respect to amendments affecting powers and functions of Executive Board. Department would hesitate to commit itself for two years to an agreement from which it could not withdraw, but which could be materially modified without its consent. You are instructed to discuss this amendment with British and urge withdrawal of their suggestion.