840.50 Recovery/5–1849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1
1666, Pass to Harriman from ECA and State. References Repto 3948 and Repto 4181.2 While we are anxious restrict transshipment 1A items from OEEC countries to East Eur via Switz, Swed or Aust, we consider it untimely press OEEC countries on enforcement restrictions, in view absence all around agreement on uniform 1A list. Our immed objectives are to obtain 1) agreement on Brit 1A list, 2) acceptance items on US list not yet on Brit, 3) establishment effective cooperative mechanism for considering control problems. Our view is that transshipment problem of goods originating in Western Eur [Page 115] is one considered appropriately through such consultative machinery after basic agreement reached on embargo list. We of course approve effective screening exports by any OEEG country so as to prevent indirect shipment 1A items to East, but we cannot formulate or negotiate general program at this time. If a country fails exercise such screening we are not in good position object. US does screen 1A and 1B exports as against possible transshipment. This does not necessarily mean US embargoes 1A items or limits 1B shipments to any Western country, but simply that a certain caution is exercised in licensing. [ECA and State.]