Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Council of Foreign Ministers; Germany and Austria, Volume III

740.00119 EW/1–2749: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France

secret
us urgent

Washington, January 27, 1949—7 p.m.

248.¹ For Caffery. Dept considers important Douglas, who plans return London February 3, talk soonest possible thereafter personally Bevin and Schuman together re US request retain reparation plants Germany. Talk not intended discuss individual plants or detailed Brit and Fr objections, but rather ensure Bevin and Schuman recognize serious purpose with which this Govt makes request, to the end they correctly evaluate US position.

Most desirable talk occur before crystallization Brit and Fr positions in formal replies. Request Schuman therefore delay Fr reply until talk and seek his consent meet London Douglas and Bevin, exact date to be set later at Schuman convenience. You may quote purpose of meeting stated above. Rptd London.

London from Douglas: Will arrange meeting on return. Similar request to Bevin made thru Brit Amb. here.

Acheson

1. Repeated to London as 305.