103.ECA/7–3148: Telegram
The United States Special Representative in Europe (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
Repto 261. Personal for Marshall from Harriman. Personal for Hoffman for Information from Harriman. As result conversation during Hoffman’s visit, with representatives of participating countries, both individually and collectively, there has been acceptance of concept that there should be greater ministerial level consideration of OEEC work and potentialities. There is agreement that the Council should meet more frequently and that the Executive Committee and smaller committees on economic-finance Minister level should meet dealing with specific problems as they arise. Important progress has been made in pressing upon Council members that participating countries must make good on pledge of cooperation.
[Page 473]British are more negative in their approach. Certain countries including France, Belgium and Italy, I believe, honestly wish to make something real out of OEEC. I am not sure, however, that when it comes to specific action, we will find that they will readily take the steps necessary to make OEEC as effective as it can be.
I have now come to the conviction that OEEC must be led by a man of international political position as a type of director general, to be responsible for initiation of cooperative measures, presentation of controversial problems to Council, its committees and members and for the implementation of policy decisions taken.
Marjolin is adequate as head of staff and should remain in his present position, but he cannot in any sense bring the governments of participating countries together. I am fearful that unless there is a driving force responsible for the attainment of the fullest cooperation between the participating nations we will find an unsatisfactory record of accomplishment at time when we must appear before Congress for additional appropriations. A committee of country representatives, even at ministerial level, will not, in my opinion, give effective leadership. I find that in discussions each representative is inclined to consider first the interests of his own country and there is no one to initiate or advocate matters requiring top level consideration on a basis of equality with senior government representatives. The technical committees may well do useful work in developing facts but unless these reports are forcefully presented for high level consideration with recommendations for action, little will be accomplished.
From my discussions with Spaak and the new French Ministers, I find them in accord with the selection of a personality as indicated above, whereas Cripps has so far expressed opposition. I intend to press the matter with the French next week and see Spaak in Brussels in the hope of getting them to make definite proposal to Council. Unless something is done, the value of my work and that of my staff will be minimized.