450.6031/5–1750: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bruce ) to the Secretary of State
secret
Paris
, May 17,
1950—6 p. m.
2363. Excon. Re Depcirtel April 28.1
- 1.
- French degree of cooperation perhaps best exemplified by what they did with UK in formulating so-called “Anglo-French” list items to be embargoed to USSR and satellites. However, since January meetings of PCs French seem to have to some extent parted company with Britain questions East-West trade. While they cannot be expected proceed objectively toward further implementation of an export control program on present US lines (particularly 1B policy), they have not adopted niggardly attitude such as Dutch and Danes. Rather than maintaining firm position of their own they have seemed inclined to go along with other countries in most cases where general agreement can be obtained.
- 2.
- As far as administrative controls are concerned French have apparently implemented agreements so far reached by CoCom and consultative group.
- 3.
- Perhaps greatest concession made by French in so far as it affects their own particular interests was agreeing to include seamless steel tubing on international list 1. While they agreed to its inclusion list 1, they stated they plan raise situation created thereby in consultative group.
- 4.
- While French are definitely not in wholehearted support present US export control policy and cannot be expected to take initiative, they can be expected go along in general with such other countries as agree to US position. On US 1B policy French will probably agree to whatever British agree. It might be mentioned that Belgium and French policies are frequently same in CoCom and it might well be there is informal consultation between two countries.
- 5.
- French can be expected continue cooperate in administration of controls agreed upon internationally, and continue cooperation in CoCom and consultative group as in past. They have been very helpful in CoCom and consultative group by providing part time clerical help, meeting places and translators.
- 6.
- Embassy does not believe consultation with British at this time would add much to foregoing conclusions.
Sent Department 2363, repeated information London 667, Brussels 110.
Bruce