840.50 Recovery/6–1747
The British Ambassador ( Inverchapel ) to the Secretary of State 1
Dear Mr. Secretary: Mr. Bevin has asked me to let you know that the talks which he is having with the French Government today are exploratory in character but that he hopes they may be the first step in a speedy and concerted response to your inspiring lead.
As soon as the talks are over, Mr. Bevin will, of course, let you have a full account of them and of any tentative conclusions reached; and shortly thereafter Mr. Bevin hopes that the British Government will have an opportunity of going over the ground with Mr. Clayton, from whom they will be interested to hear how your own thoughts are developing.
You may further like to know for your own confidential information that, as soon as the exploratory talks with the French are over, Mr. Bevin intends to bring in the Belgium and Netherlands Governments.
Mr. Bevin has further asked me to give you the following paraphrase of a message which he has asked Sir M. Peterson2 to deliver to M. Molotov:—
“As the Soviet Government is aware, His Majesty’s Government are deeply concerned about the economic rehabilitation of Europe. The [Page 257] suggestion made by Mr. Marshall in recent statements that European countries should take the initiative by preparing a reconstruction plan seems to offer a new hope that the solution of Europe’s economic difficulties may be facilitated. It is, therefore, in the view of His Majesty’s Government a matter of the utmost urgency that some concrete plan should be proposed by the European countries so that it can be discussed with the United States Government as soon as possible. The issue is an economic not a political one. His Majesty’s Government would be glad of any observations which the Soviet Government may care to offer as regards the United States Government proposal.”
Mr. Bevin would like you to know confidentially that he is making this communication to the Soviet Government because he wishes to know as soon as possible whether or not they intend to take part in the preparation of a reconstruction plan for Europe.
Yours sincerely,