Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

480.509/9–2650: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France ¹

secret
priority

Washington, September 26, 1950—7 p. m.

1564. Excon. Brit Emb informed Dept today that prelim London view is that next round tripartite talks shld be in London (understood Brit may be about to dispatch invitations) and shld fall into two stages:

(1) Review of action taken or contemplated by Brit Govt result recent Cabinet decisions in order determine precisely as possible scope further action required pursuant para 4 agreed minute.

(2) Drawing up of list along lines agreed and consideration econ impact.

Brit suggested that stage (1) might be handled by US and Fr Embs in London and hoped to be ready start these talks by second week Oct. Stage (2) wld require attendance experts. Dept understands this plan of action probably discussed by FonOff with Emb London today or tomorrow.

Dept advised Brit Emb as follows:

a. We believe London probably best mtg place but have not excluded other possibilities and are awaiting Embs comments.

b. We are aware that next CG mtg scheduled late Oct and, although CG might be postponed, consider it preferable initiate tripartite talks soon as possible in view likelihood discussions may be lengthy, especially if necessary reach agreement on detailed list specific items (Dept wld appreciate Embs views as to how specific tripartite agreement on list of items shld be in order assure satisfactory progress in subsequent CG/CoCom mtgs). Our tentative view was that general discussions proposed for stage (1) shld commence some time next week if possible.

c. We reminded Brit Emb that stage (1) discussions wld have to resolve any differences of interpretation of FonMins agreement and also enter into such questions as (i) how to determine what items are urgently required for defense needs of WE, and (ii) how to take account of econ considerations in determining relative advantage. (On latter point, Dept is studying ways to relate this problem to some procedure of review for trade agreements. Embs comments or suggestions wld be useful.)²

Webb

1. Repeated to London for action as telegram 1620.
2. Telegram 1655, September 30, to Paris, repeated to London as 1704, stated that the Department of State had informed the British Embassy that the United States agreed in principle that the forthcoming tripartite (American-British-French) talks on security export control be held in two stages, the first being general discussions to determine action required to implement the Foreign Ministers Agreed Minute of September 19 and the second being detailed discussions related to the drawing up of control lists. The Department suggested that the meetings begin in London on October 9 or 11 (460.509/9–2750).