840.50 Recovery/8–647: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
2967. Personal for Clayton from Lovett and Wood. Agree that situation you describe makes decision on nature of our friendly aid in drafting the plan imperative now. We are giving urgent consideration this question and will communicate decision and comments soonest. In meantime suggest you defer any action such as proposed in Embtel 3122 of August 6. Very important consideration is not to make suggestions to conferees or consult with or advise them in manner allowing us to be maneuvered into position where, if they accept or act on our suggestions, they would regard us as being committed to their plan. Feeling in Congress very strong that they must not again be presented on a crisis basis with a virtual commitment to any precise course of [Page 351] action as they now claim was done in case of Greece and Turkey. If are to get Congress approval must carefully avoid this. Must also avoid charge we dictating plan.
Realize we are committed to friendly aid and importance of effective plan from Paris conference so vital we must do whatever practicable to help insure this result. Problem being considered urgently in light of all above factors. Hope to wire you in detail tomorrow.
Repeat to London 3428. [Lovett and Wood.]