560.AL/2–2648: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
246. For Clayton from Wilcox. Holmes UK delegation informs me British government dissatisfied compromise agreements charter on ground article 13 recognizes QR for protective purposes, article 15 would not permit new preferences UK and colonies without two thirds vote, article 23 does not allow enough latitude for discrimination. He asks whether UK delegation should move to adjourn conference or refuse to sign final act.
My reply was UK committed to program from Atlantic Charter through article VII Lend-Lease Anglo-American loan agreement joint sponsorship US proposals and negotiations London Geneva and Havana. Could not take responsibility killing conference now near final agreement among fifty countries. Would jeopardize ERP legislation, imperil prospects international economic cooperation. Said [Page 875] further had no authority modify present draft article 23 British government would have to take matter up directly in Washington.
Believe it unnecessary to yield to British pressure on any point. All other countries of Commonwealth and all countries of Europe are now in line supporting compromise acceptable to most Latin Americans all Arabs all Asiatics. If UK does not come along will be isolated in conference. [Wilcox.]