740.5/5–150: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
top secret
London, May 1,
1950—2 p. m.
2351. ReDeptel 1628, April 11.1
- 1.
- April 16 meeting Consultative Council WU in Brussels revealed possibility WU decisions which might have prejudiced scope and future NAT decisions in same areas of interest. However, Foreign Ministers generally aware undesirability such WU decisions. Shinwell stressed necessity close coordination government-level actions of WU with those in NAT. Schuman agreed and suggested discussion this matter London meetings May.
- 2.
- NAT Council’s forthcoming meeting may result establishment some continuing top-level NAT political body. Until character and duties this body established, would seem premature endeavor define precisely mechanics coordination high level WU and NAT decisions. If question raised Council meeting or in prior Foreign Ministers’ discussions, would seem sufficient to suggest at least until form NAT has been established, informal agreement by Ministers representing WU countries that it is their intention not to take final governmental [Page 79] decisions in WU which might impinge on similar actions contemplated in NAT and to welcome US representative informally meeting with Permanent Commission and CC.2
- 3.
- Conclusions: (a) Believe no formal action need be taken at coming NAT Council meeting to establish system for coordinating WU and NAT high level decisions; (b) After permanent continuing body is established under NAT Council, a system for exchange of top level documents and coordination of contemplated decisions as between WU and NAT should be established; (c) Pending action under (b) above US military participation in WU regional planning group should be used as a major method for advancing US military policy as it regards WU Similarly, activities of US observers in WU supply board and finance committee3 should be closely related to US objectives in the comparable NAT bodies; (d) Pending action under (b) above, US should ask to have US representative informally meet with WU Permanent Commission and CC whenever matters affecting NAT or MDAP or US are under discussion.
Douglas