800.515/5–1745: Telegram

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

4933. Safehaven. Plan set forth in Embassy’s A–107, February 2,27 for controlling exports of works of art was submitted by MEW to French, who have suggested cooperation by Service de Récupération Artistique (French Agency engaged in recovery of works of art which examines all claims and has every means of identifying many looted works of art). French suggest that copies of photographs and details furnished to consuls in connection with applications for blockade facilities be made available to Service de Récupération who will as soon as possible, communicate any information they have, together with their recommendation to the Macmillan Commission.

MEW believes that French should be consulted. Although appreciating that proposal made in Dept’s 3722, May 12 (now under consideration by Brit) would supersede present scheme, Embassy and Roberts Commission representative in London feel that French participation would be advantageous and should be requested as regards any cases decided pending decision on Washington’s proposal and implementation thereof.

Winant
  1. Not printed; see footnote 20, p. 940.