560.AL/8–346: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
urgent
niact
Received August 3—11:52 a.m.
7243. For Wilcox and Brown from Peterson. Memo based your 5803, August 2 left with Helmore BOT.
British position is as follows: (a) If US Charter published British would say they were not consulted and were not in accord with certain American interpretations of ITO proposals as expressed in Charter; (b) British could not at present undertake joint redrafting on these points of different understandings and do not wish to engage in that sort of negotiation now; (c) British still have objection as to wisdom of publication of Charter. They believe it a mistake in tactics.
On question of Norway, Chile, Lebanon, British observe that paragraph 2 reftel gives them to August 15 to comment.
British stated informally that there were main points wherein they think US Charter interpretation of ITO is contrary to their interpretation, as follows:
[Here follows simple listing of British points of difference, relating to Articles 18, 27, 21, 23, 26, 30, 31, and the section relating to cartels.]
British have much less objection to confidential circulation of Charter to nuclear countries and say this would be less embarrassing. [Peterson.]