740.00119 EW/6–1848: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
secret
us urgent
us urgent
London, June 18,
1948—6 p. m.
2696. For Saltzman from Douglas.
- 1.
- At a meeting this morning with Strang and Massigli, I informed them of the list of plants released for selection by the military governors on account of reparations1 and told them that we hoped that an additional list would be available after the Technical Mission’s report had been made; that if the Technical Mission retained too large a number, a delay would necessarily ensue. This they took with understanding, and were grateful for the list which was submitted.
- 2.
- They both strongly expressed the view, which I endorse heartily,
that the first division from the list of plants available for
selection should be made as promptly as possible—certainly before
the 30th of this month. They feel that this is important:
- (a)
- Because it is necessary, in any event, that the procedure be gotten under way; and
- (b)
- Because on the first of July, according to their understanding, the Soviet assume the chair of the ACC, and might, if no action has been taken by US in regard to reparations prior to that time, call a meeting of the Council for the purpose, among others, of dealing with reparations.
Sent Department as 2696; repeated Berlin for Murphy and Clay as 216.
Douglas