460.509/7–751: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
135. Excon from Linder.
1. Second plenary tripartite session yesterday devoted largely to discussion question of collective proposal to CG versus unilateral US approach. Agreed to defer decision, which has since been discussed by heads of dels. Since decision may be to have USDel present US proposals to CG, with UK and Fr support to extent of their agreement, we are preparing way for possible early delivery to other PC’s of IA list (through COCOM) and of brief statement our objectives (through our missions in PC’s), subject Dept concurrence. Matter covered in separate telegram.1
2. Present situation as result discussion among heads of dels summarized in Berthoud memo today as fols:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
We expect further mtg heads of dels Mon evening may result final decision this matter. In USDel view, more rapid action likely be obtained from PC’s if we do not wait for final determination tripartite area of agreement, and US unilateral proposal (supported by UK and Fr) may incur less resentment from PC’s than if presented with another tripartite fait accompli. On other hand, tripartite approach wld be very effective especially if tripartite agreement reached to embargo all or almost all IA items.
3. Timetable here has been agreed substantially as reported Embtel 94, July 6, rptd Paris 29.2 Dels have agreed set CG mtg date July 19, but if collective tripartite proposal is decided upon this date may be put off to fol week to allow time for study tripartite proposals before CG mtg.
4. Working groups established for (a) discussion IA items and (b) discussion list II and exceptions proposals. On IA problem, UK expects complete own review middle next week and then discuss items with us. Fr reviewing items in Paris. Separate telegram on QC discussions.3 Fr have expressed keen interest in exceptions problem, apparently owing largely their desire avoid revealing info to competitors when discussing current TA negotiations (altho wld be willing discuss with US alone), and subject will come up Mon.
Sent Dept 135, rptd info Paris 46. [Linder.]