840.6362/5–1647: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Douglas ) to the Secretary of State
2777. This is Salco 493.1. Makins, Foreign Office, just returned from conference with Alphand re British request to ECO for coal allocation. [Page 507] French still eager obtain special concession Saar coal as condition their agreement to British request but Makins says as result preliminary examination French terms less onerous than originally thought. Foreign Office examining them carefully and Makins will inform me details and Foreign Office view bearing in mind US position. I will inform you immediately.
2. British have decided make provisional request ECO coal allocation conditional upon third quarter availabilities. Provisional request permits British withdrawal if opposition develops or French become too difficult. Assume British will make request formally at allocations meeting Tuesday May 20.