560.AL/5–2149: Telegram
The Chairman of the United States Delegation (Willoughby) to the Secretary of State
139. For Brown. Work of Contracting Parties has been proceeding slowly past week and can avoid raising MFN issue immediate future (Deptel 120, May 19). Effort to defer till end conference would, however, be strongly resisted because top personnel several delegations will leave when GATT agenda concluded leaving only tariff negotiations personnel here. Contemplated that last Annecy meetings would be concerned mainly formalities and arrangements third tariff negotiations avoiding important substantive matters.
Wish to avoid taking matter up with Acting Chairman Blankenstein but will consult Wilgress1 upon his return in one week.
- L. D. Wilgress of Canada was Chairman of the Contracting Parties.↩