460.509/6–2551: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
priority
8075. Excon. Re Deptel 7021 June 22.1
1. As US del understands reftel, US intends submit to CG proposals on fol three matters directed at extending and tightening existing controls:
- (a)
- Reviewing list II procedures and items,
- (b)
- Placing final residual 1–A items on list one, and
- (c)
- Establishing tighter principles and procedures or hardship and prior-commitment exceptions from embargo. (Since list two includes some items now on residual 1–A list, some overlap between (a) and (b) results.)
2. US del further understands US intends tri pre-consultation with view obtaining such UK and French support as possible, but apparently without intent submit original proposals to CG even if full UK-French support not obtained.
3. If above understandings correct, US del not clear on function of tri tech talks or where their outcome wld be presented—i.e., to some higher tri group for attempted adjustment of differences as in Oct talks or direct to CG/COCOM, without adjusting differences.
[Page 1132]4. Also not clear whether presentation to CG contemplates negotiation (then or later).
5. Unable completely evaluate contemplated schedule due lack details of proposals and intended extent tri discussion. However, feel timetable over-optimistic on starting date (in relation to transporting and briefing US reps who will attend preceding Swiss talks) and on intended CG mtg date. Both tri and CG reps may be expected to want time for studying US proposals and obtaining govt reactions and to require more time for this purpose if proposals (and translations) not made available before respective mtgs. Even under most favorable circumstances, we wonder whether tri discussions cld be completed in time for CG mtg 7 or 8 days later, particularly if tri documentation is to be developed, transmitted, reproduced, and distributed. Also wonder whether such early CG mtg can be expected produce anything more than noting US proposals, receiving some generalized and tentative observations, and setting some future date for further CG or COCOM discussion.
6. In any event, question arises when US desire for CG mtg shld be announced (presumably at COCOM). On one hand, general practice is two week’s advance notice. On other hand, setting too early date risks necessity eventual postponement with attendant complications experienced in connection Oct tri talks. Pendency standard European summer vacation period and COCOM dels pressure for recess mid-July suggest desirability early announcement with selection of date which can be met. Wld appreciate Dept’s advice on this.
7. Re para two reftel, agreeable to mtgs either in London or in Paris. Believe London site more advantageous for any tri tech discussions and for concealing existence tri discussions from COCOM if necessary. Favor giving French copy of US [apparent garble] memo. Re para 3 reftel, King and Jacques will be available. Assume expected ECA rep will be Dupre as in past. Also assume Dept will arrange for necessary secretarial help.
Sent Department 8075; repeated information London 2171.
- Supra.↩