Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Western Europe, Volume IV

841.5151/7–1149: Telegram

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

top secret

Washington, July 11, 1949—6 p.m.

2397. For Douglas.

1. In our view (ECA is informing Harriman in same sense) present technical discussions in London shd be confined strictly to fact finding in order provide firmest possible base for subsequent policy decisions by interested agencies Washington. If you consider useful wld suggest participation in factual review by Raymond Vernon from Dept’s Commercial Policy Div, who could leave here on short notice.

2. Since Fund and Bank mtgs commence on Sept 13 believe it would be desirable hold further discussions at technical level in Washington last week of Aug. These preparatory discussions wld be addressed to clarifying and defining policy issues requiring final decision at ministerial level. Discussions of this character wld seem premature at present in absence more firmly and precisely defined views in Executive Branch on many of basic policy issues. Likewise development of agenda for Sept meeting cannot be firm pending full consideration of policy issues here.

Acheson

1. Repeated to Stockholm as 417, eyes only for Snyder.