600.119/11–249: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to All Diplomatic Offices
From State and Commerce. Commerce announced Oct 31 deletion 165 commodity listings from Positive List (list of commodities controlled for export by US). Approx 200 additional deletions immed forthcoming. Purpose to eliminate controls over items in free supply and of low security importance. Nearly all items deleted have to date been controlled only for R countries (Eur including USSR, Turkey, and part North Africa). Simultaneously controls over 250 to 300 listings now applicable R countries will be extended near future to all other destinations except Canada (Group O countries). Purpose to increase effectiveness controls over items of high security value, prevent transshipment to Soviet orbit, and apply effective controls over selected exports to China and related areas.
If Missions accredited to Group O Govts receive inquiries, missions may state items under control will in general be licensed freely to such destinations, subj only to selective consignee and transshipment screening. Missions in R countries will understand actions described in no way alter control policies that area.
Circ airgram1 containing full explanation being dispatched. [State and Commerce.]
- Dated November 4, 8:20 a. m., not printed.↩