840.00/6–2047: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
2670. For Ambassador. I am repeating to you separately1 a cable sent 19 June2 from Secys War, Navy and myself to Clay3 and Murphy which summarizes cables I have sent to Embs Paris, Brussels, Rome, Hague,4 which outline principles enunciated in my Harvard speech and ask comments on certain general and specific matters relating to formulating a program of European rehabilitation. The cable to Clay and Murphy inquires re contribution western Germany can make to such a program. Mr. Clayton will discuss the whole matter [Page 264] with you in detail. The valuable analysis and info you have sent us on UK position and prospects have been most helpful.
If, after reading cable mentioned above, you have further comments or recommendations to make which you believe would assist us, we should be glad to have them.
Of immediate concern is the question of what role, if any, the ECE can usefully play in developing a European program. While the use of a UN body whose terms of reference directly cover this type of problem would be desirable and in accord with our long-range objectives towards UN, we share the fear that effective and prompt action might be very difficult there, whether because of the inefficiency of a new and untried body or because of a continuance of the obstructive tactics pursued by the eastern countries at the first session. Further, consideration must be given to whether FAO should be used in connection with the food aspects of any program. We are inclined to let the European countries, particularly the UK and France, take the initiative in determining whether ECE has a role but will urge, if it is used, that guarantees of prompt and effective action be given by setting a definite timetable with interim progress reports and reserving the position of interested countries to proceed outside ECE if delay occurs there. The desirability of improving coal production before winter and fertilizer and agricultural equipment production by the autumn planting season gives us targets to aim at. We would also consider it important that non-members particularly Italy and Austria, should take full part.
We are inclined to feel that the most fruitful immediate action would be along the lines of specific subjects such as coal, food, clothing production and transport rather than more elaborate plans for general increased industrial activity which would take longer to plan and which must be based on reasonably adequate fuel, food, housing and transport.
Pls bring to attention Porter, MEA.5 Dept will comment on Embtel 3201 June 11 separately.6
- Telegram 2671, to London, June 20, not printed.↩
- Telegram 1292 to the U.S. Political Adviser on German Affairs (Murphy), at Berlin, not printed.↩
- Gen. Lucius D. Clay, U.S. Military Governor for Germany.↩
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Telegram 2143, June 12, to Paris, p. 249; similar messages were sent to the other three Embassies on June 13.
Replies from the four diplomatic missions, not printed, are in files 840.00 and 840.50 Recovery. These replies were received in the Department over a period of several weeks. Situations described therein were frequently overtaken by events.
↩ - Paul R. Porter, Acting Chief, Mission for Economic Affairs at London.↩
- Not printed.↩