Office of the Historian

840.50 Recovery/11–2949: Telegram

The United States Special Representatives (Harriman) to the Secretary of State

top secret
priority
Paris, November 29, 1949—5 p. m.

niact

Repsec 47. Eyes only for Secretary State and Perkins, personal for Hoffman. Reference London 4684 to Department, repeated Paris 922.1 Subject is proposal to strengthen OEEC through appointment political personality as described in proposed draft of message from Secretary to Ministers of OEEC countries set forth in Deptel 4139, November 16 to London, repeated Paris 4441. Present status as indicated reftel is that Bevin has indicated non-opposition to proposal and that Ambassador Douglas is endeavoring to secure Bevin’s positive support. At same time Van Zeeland has prepared similar proposal which he wishes to forward to OEEC members. Van Zeeland has shown us his preliminary draft, and has also requested comment Marjolin and Hall-Patch.

I feel strongly that we must go ahead as actively as possible with this proposal without awaiting further reaction from Bevin who, I understand, will be unavailable for next three weeks. Douglas concurs.

I believe next step would be for Ambassador Murphy2 to approach Van Zeeland along the following lines: Murphy would on behalf of US Government welcome initiative which Van Zeeland is planning to take and express gratification that his ideas as conveyed to Harriman appear basically in accord with our views. He would show Van Zeeland draft of message which Secretary plans to send to Ministers concerned and would concert with him as to timing, emphasizing need for most rapid possible action. Murphy would also give Van Zeeland full account of British position.

Harriman plans telephone Perkins November 30 at 10:00 Washington time in order to learn Secretary’s decision. If affirmative, it is suggested that text of Secretary’s message be circularized to diplomatic missions in participating countries stating instructions as to [Page 454] presentation will follow and that Murphy be instructed to proceed with Van Zeeland.

I would plan to send Bonsal to Brussels in order to bring Murphy and Millard up to date on most recent developments and to assist in any way possible.

Sent Department Repsec 47; repeated London eyes only for Ambassador and Kenney Repto 1050, Brussels eyes only for Murphy and Nuveen3 Repto 474.

Harriman
  1. Supra.↩
  2. Robert D. Murphy was appointed Ambassador to Belgium September 22, 1949.↩
  3. John Nuveen, Jr., Chief of the ECA Mission to Belgium.↩