Office of the Historian

840.00/6–1847: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
secret
urgent
Paris, June 18, 1947—4 p. m.

2412. The British tell me that the conversations between Bevin and Bidault are progressing satisfactorily. They and the French have agreed on the following points:

(1)
The necessity for inviting the Soviets to join in these talks and of getting a reply from them before July 5 on which date the European Economic Committee is to meet. British feel that Russian participation would tend greatly to complicate things and that it might be best if Russians refused invitation. They tell me that French also offer [appear?] to share this feeling. In any event they intend to issue invitation to the Russians in such form as to receive a reply before July 5.
(2)
The formation of ad hoc committees on coal, food, steel, etc. These committees would be drawn together by a steering committee the chairman of which might be the chairman or the European Economic Committee.
(3)
Desirability once conversations take further shape of inviting Belgium, Netherlands and later Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia to participate.

Bevin leaves for London tomorrow morning. Conversations will continue on technical level.

Sent Department as 2412; repeated to London as 456.

Caffery