460.509/5–550: Telegram

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

top secret

Tosec 110. 1. Only action taken by NSC during discussion of export controls and security policy was to approve fol:

“The Secy of State will take the opportunity to emphasize the importance which the US attaches to common action in the field of security export controls at forthcoming mtgs with the Fon Min of GB and Fr and with the NAT Council.”2

2. Please make clear to Brit and Fr that Sec will take up this problem in connection with appraisal of cold war.3

3. Present directives as outlined in relevant tels to OSR remain in force. State Missions will fol these.

Repeat to Paris as Excon. Pass Harriman.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was repeated to Paris as 2033.
  2. Quoted here is National Security Council Action No. 293, agreed upon by the Council at its 56th Meeting, May 4, 1950.
  3. Telegram Telac 4, May 10, to Secretary of State Acheson at London, not printed, reported that Secretary of Commerce Sawyer had called on Acting Secretary of State Webb to ask that the Department of State be sure to establish a firm position for the forthcoming Consultative Group meeting on export controls scheduled for late May. Webb stated that Secretary Acheson intended to discuss the matter with the British and French Foreign Ministers in accordance with the National Security Council action and also with American Representatives in Europe to make certain that their position was consistent with his taken in the Council (450.6031/5–1050).