840.50 Recovery/8–2048: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
3312. For Douglas. Reurtel 3625, August 11. Since Hoffman’s1 return from Paris we have had several conversations concerning UK relations to OEEC. Hoffman has expressed grave concern over British attitude and feels they are not entering wholeheartedly into OEEC work. He further believes that unless they exercise real leadership to initiate and push forward effective measures for economic cooperation among OEEC nations there is good chance ERP will fail.
We have shared Hoffman’s concern for some time, while recognizing that British Cabinet may not agree that UK actions lend support to our appraisal of its position. We consider that solution may well involve steps on our part affecting whole range of US–UK relations beyond those arising directly from ERP. We shall appreciate your views on the foregoing, also any concrete examples of British failure to act or British unwillingness to cooperate fully toward integration of European economies.
The Secretary would have an opportunity to discuss this subject at Paris next month. It may be advisable however not to await Paris meeting. We suggest that you and Harriman2 discuss situation and if you agree call on Bevin jointly and forcefully call his attention to it. Repeated to Harriman, London pls pass to Finletter.3