560.AL/2–748: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Cuba

confidential

180. For Clayton. French Govt reply to our representations relating to the amendment to Art. 99 of ITO Charter was received this morning by note from French Emb.1 French Govt. has taken position that it is not possible to accept immediate extension of Chapter 3 of the Charter to Germany but is prepared to agree after a period of trial that Germany might enjoy nondiscriminatory treatment. The note states that French Delegation in Habana has pointed out that only the occupying powers are in a position to determine whether the obligations which they have taken or will take in regard to Germany are consistent with other obligations and that consequently the Conference is not in a position to deal with the questions raised by American amendment because it is unable to decide whether acceptance of this amendment would raise questions incompatible with other international undertakings. For this reason French Delegation proposed to transform US amendment into a conference resolution wherein the hope would be expressed that the occupying powers responsible for the economic policy of Germany would inform the ITO organization as soon as possible of the decisions taken in this respect. The note continues that French Foreign Minister has already pointed out that France is unable to accept any procedure which would involve discussion of the future of Germany by 50 nations at Habana less interested in the question than France and in a setting where France’s voice might not be heard. Consequently it is proposed that this subject be discussed at the forthcoming Tripartite Conference on Germany which is scheduled to begin in London on Feb. 19.2

When this note was received, it was pointed out orally to the French Emb. that in fact it constituted a refusal on the part of France to recommend the principle of nondiscrimination against exports from the Western Zones of Germany during the period of occupation. Emphasis was laid on the points which you had stressed in your conversation with Berard3 and we stated again that the position now [Page 852] taken by France might have serious consequences with respect to the European Recovery Program as well as prejudicing the possible acceptance of the ITO Charter. Furthermore we explained that postponement of discussions to the London Conference which would only be binding on the three participating countries might make it impossible for any discussions in Habana. French Emb. was asked once more to make these points clear to Paris and requested to solicit a further explanation of reasons why France was not prepared to agree to nondiscrimination against exports from Western Germany. Copy of note and memo of conv. being airmailed.4

Marshall
  1. Not printed.
  2. For documentation on this conference, see vol. ii, pp. 1 ff.
  3. Armand Bérard, Minister-Counselor of the French Embassy.
  4. Not printed.