840.50 Recovery/5–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
2416. For Harriman1 from Bonesteel. Please restrict distribution. I have discussed with Ambassadors Gallery and Douglas the question of your quick trip here this weekend as against delaying visit until you can come permanently. Have also discreetly sounded out British, French and Italians. All are of opinion you should come for few days only to arrive Monday at latest. Douglas hopes you will then come London but before Friday next week as he will then be away.
Council meets Monday and Tuesday and will not, on present information, be attended by Foreign Ministers. Snoy of Belgium not Spaak will be in charge. This, however, may be tactically useful to you in conversations with Bidault2 and Mayer and Bevin and Cripps since force will be given to arguments and our displeasure at low level of present handling of OEEC.
We are dubious as to ability of Hall-Patch to given dynamic leadership to Executive Committee and question whether Executive Committee with present level of representation will do requisite job. Believe your early visit here will permit top level discussion on present set-up and possible change before organization becomes jelled. Some lift in tone and approach seems necessary. If you are coming this weekend please advise us and missions in participating countries. Also suggest press announcement soonest. [Bonesteel.]