Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, National Security Affairs, Foreign Economic Policy, Volume I

560.AL/6–1649: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom ¹

confidential

[Washington,] June 16, 1949—7 p. m.

2072. Douglas from Thorp. Fol tel sent to Brussels and similar one to The Hague and Paris.²

“Dept has authorized withdrawal this subject [most-favored-nation treatment for Japan] from agenda of Conf at Annecy in favor pushing efforts bilaterally key countries, concentrating first in Brit, Neth, Fr, Canad and Belg. Dept and NME continue place great importance getting commitment from these countries covering period Jap occupation and desire press for either unilateral instrument similar in form and substance to Ger protocol or bilateral instrument similar in substance to Ger protocol but to which SCAP adheres. Acting Sec presenting strong aide-mémoire to Brit Amb (copy airmailed for your info).³

Dept desires that you reopen question on high level and make strong effort get early favorable response. To assist in negotiations Dept sending Martin⁴ to arrive early July. Schockner being sent from Annecy as Army Rep along with Rep of SCAP. Martin familiar possible modifications in agreement, particularly escape clauses, Dept could accept. Dept sending draft aide-mémoire⁵ for use in your discretion prior group’s arrival and draft agreement for immediate presentation. Emb should initiate necessary groundwork in advance group’s arrival so that matter be brought to head while this group there and avoid any tendency stalling tactics. For same purpose group will have discussed matter with Belg Reps at Annecy prior arrival. Further instructions re exact time arrival.”

Aide-Mémoire (Depinst 271, June 10⁶) not yet presented here. Emb will be notified immediately upon presentation. Emb instructed to follow up with Brit authorities as soon as sufficient time elapsed for aide-mémoire to be considered. Martin and Schockner can probably assist. Timing to be worked out with Martin who is arriving soon connection export control discussions. [Thorp.]

Webb

1. Repeated to the U.S. Political Adviser, Tokyo (267).
2. Sent on June 14 as No. 722, No. 511, and No. 2089, respectively.
3. Infra.
4. Edwin M. Martin, Deputy Director of the Office of International Trade Policy.
5. Forwarded under cover of instructions on June 24 to Brussels (No. 84), The Hague (No. 84), and Paris (No. 330), none printed.
6. A copy of the aide-mémoire to be presented to the British Embassy was forwarded with the instruction. In the instruction the Embassy was informed: “Both the Department of State and the National Military Establishment continue to attach great importance to obtaining a commitment from the major trading nations to accord most-favored-nation treatment to Japanese products. Renewed efforts looking toward securing these commitments are under consideration and are expected to be the subject of telegraphic instruction.” (560.AL/6–1049)