740.00119 EW/12–1548: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
5248. From Douglas and Humphrey. Final meeting between Humphrey Committee, Douglas, Saltzman; Stevens and other UK representatives; Alphand and other French representatives December 14. Humphrey explained 184 plants under discussion for retention (including [Page 851] 1 suballocated plant—AC 12—not theretofore included in total, and stated Committee now willing release 17, thus reducing total to 167. With respect this total British and French have agreed retention 81 plants. British or French (but not both) agreed have retention 42 additional plants. British and French oppose retention 44 plants.
In addition to release of 17 plants, Humphrey stated Committee willing release 3 other plants in part, together with considerable number partial releases in steel category already informally agreed to. He also stated few more releases could be expected in wire and precision tubing plants but that no undertaking would be made by the Committee until it had conferred with Wolf in US.
It was agreed present arrangements on dismantlement should be extended with respect 167 plants still on Humphrey Committee retention list until after Committee report is made. With respect balance of plants British and French given discretion whether they will dismantle or not. Rueff’s suggestion, made last week, that no releases of plants should be made until Committee’s report rendered, was confirmed.
Alphand (France) complained US was asking retention most valuable plants. He stated Committee proposals regarding mechanical engineering plants not at all acceptable to his government.
Individual plants discussed. Humphrey stated Committee willing give further consideration points raised, notably including butadiene, ammonia and coal mining machinery plants.
Committee expects work on this and other matters, and on report, return voyage Queen Elizabeth—completed report expected first week January.
17 plants released by Committee at this meeting: BS 57, 63, 135, 146, 153, 157, 201, 234, 245, 273, 274; ACA 2156, 2158, 2363; ACA 12, 18, 407.
Sent Department for ECA 5248, repeated Paris Torep 404 Brussels 162, Frankfurt 50 for ECA, Berlin 660 for OMGUS.[Douglas and Humphrey.]