CFM Files
United States Delegation Journal
USDel (PC) (Journal) 47
Mr. Gregory (U.K.) speaking again on Annex 4 D (Petroleum) of the Rumanian Treaty, replied to various points in the speeches made in opposition to the British proposal at the morning meeting of the Commission by the representatives of USSR, Byelo-Russia and Ukraine. He argued that the Rumanian Government should compensate for petroleum damage in convertible currency to the extent necessary, since certain industrial equipment could not be purchased [Page 501] within Rumania and it was essential that this equipment be purchased if the United Nations oil companies were to carry out their operations. He also said that the Petroleum Law of 1942 contained a number of discriminatory passages and had definitely worsened the position of the United Nations oil companies operating in Rumania. In view of the various comments that had been made, Mr. Gregory said the U.K. Delegation was now willing that Annex 4D should take the following form. Paragraph 3 should provide for the elimination of discriminatory features of the Petroleum Law of 1942 rather than for repeal of the Law. Paragraphs 4, 5, 6 and 7 might be deleted. Paragraph 8 should be modified to the extent of requiring entry and unhindered exercise of profession of certain senior officials and technical experts. Mr. Gregory then replied vigorously to Ukranian charges of British imperialism and described Sovram Petrol65 sufficiently to make his point very clear. Mr. Wilgress (Canada) gave reasons why his Delegation had been unable to support Annex 4D in its original form but was now able to support the Annex as modified in the light of Mr. Gregory’s statement. Mr. Thorp (U.S.) suggested that a draft of the new U.K. proposal, which was substantially different from that in the treaty draft should be circulated and that discussion be adjourned until the representatives had had a chance to study and examine the new draft.
- Joint Soviet-Rumanian petroleum company.↩