560.AL/5–2749: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
secret
London, May 27, 1949—7
p. m.
2093. Supplementing Embtel 2022, May 24, repeated Annecy No. 6.
Further discussion with Burgess today summarized South African negotiations as follows: [Page 691]
- 1.
- (For USDel GATT) UK stressed key significance South African gold to European viability and Norval agreed that this is important to South Africa also in view possible damage to exports if viability impaired.
- 2.
- Norval stressed importance to South Africa of price level and consequent necessity to enforce competition and maintain nondiscrimination.
- 3.
- UK took account of US protest and discussed various possibilities for meeting US and Canadian view point. Felt however that there are limits to what can be done in this direction.
- 4.
- Discussions ended up with no agreement and amounted to friendly clarification of problems arising out of South African situation including many not relevant to Annecy issues.
- 5.
- Norval discussed various plans and British know fairly well what he will probably recommend but do not feel free to disclose at this time. Presumably after Norval has reported to his government and received instructions he will consult Willoughby.
Sent Department 2093, repeated Annecy 9.
Douglas