740.0027/1–2248: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
251. We discussed Department’s instruction January 121 and Deptels 148, January 152 and 194, January 203 with Cribbett4 and Foreign Office this morning. Cribbett agreeable relaxation policy containment satellites to allow arrangement with Hungary outlined in Deptel 148, January 15, provided preamble of exchange of notes or other document formalizing the agreement makes it perfectly clear that (1) agreement is in fact non-discriminatory and reciprocal and (2) that Hungarians agree it is a step towards the free interchange of international commercial aviation rights.
Foreign Office spokesman at the meeting agreed in principle to foregoing but needed further clearance which is promised immediately. Deak5 will be in Budapest about Monday, by which time we should have Foreign Office concurrence.
Cribbett feels strongly (perhaps partly in view of our insistence British break off promising negotiations with Yugoslavs) that any arrangement with Hungary which does not produce an agreement on the part of the Hungarians to subscribe in general to development civil aviation on non-discriminatory, reciprocal commercial basis, would be strong blow to development Anglo-American policy and would not justify short-range advantages. British, for currency and other reasons, not now prepared extend BEA service to Hungary.
Re Poland. British have no objection our treating Poland in separate category but point out if AOA flights to Warsaw considered an extension of New York-Berlin services, Poles may not be willing to accept other than reciprocal route. On the other hand, if AOA Berlin-Warsaw service may be called new route, Poles may agree to traffic [Page 439] stop and of transit US zone, Germany as a sufficient quid pro quo. As reported, British still do not wish to jeopardize courier services to Warsaw but when and if British Helsinki services can be reopened (through giving them one stop inside northern end of curtain) may indicate willingness use pressure on Poles retransit British zone if such action would be successful in inducing Poles to permit either British or American services, or both, to Warsaw.