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

740.00119 EW/4–1349: Telegram

The Ambassador in Belgium (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

secret

Brussels, April 13, 1949—9 p.m.

554. EP from Daspit.

1. Revision reparation plant list presented Assembly in manner outlined mytel 482, April 1 to Department, repeated London 50, Paris 75, Berlin 22.¹ Failure of French zone commander supply list plants removed from October 1947 list and inclusion by British commander in his submission of several letters and appendices not directly related main topic, produced considerable confusion. Although most delegates from OEEC countries and Dominions appeared have received information re major outline of settlement from their govts, satellite delegates thoroughly confused as to facts of situation.

2. Relatively brief discussion followed reading by Rueff of letter addressed him by delegates three powers. Only Yugoslavia, Albania registered protest. Czechoslovakia joined them in requesting matter be held over for discussion next session. Belgium took strong position that major aspects of problem outside Assembly competence and to be fruitful discussion must be confined to technical question such as balancing of agency accounts. Australia stated although his govt not direct beneficiary ERP, would probably have no objection to agreement. Agreed with Belgium that doubtful that Assembly had competence to take any action but felt matter should be retained on agenda if desired by other delegates. Indicated he would probably have nothing further to say on subject at next meeting. No other delegate spoke. Matter held over for April 26 session.

3. Would be useful if information re plants available under PRI agreement could be made available prior April 26 meeting.

Sent Department 554, repeated Paris 90, London 60, Berlin 31.

Kirk

1. Not printed; in it Daspit reported that he and his British and French colleagues had agreed that the most effective procedure for notifying the Assembly of the I.A.R.A. about the agreement on the Humphrey report would be by a joint letter to its president (740.00119 EW/4–249).