460.509/7–751: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
priority
136. Excon from Linder.
1. In order to speed up CG consideration of US proposals delegation has been considering advisability of informing CG countries other than Brit and French of general nature of US proposals along lines of aide-mémoire given to Brit and French (ref Deptel 6071 June 22 rptd above missions)1 as soon as possible without waiting for termination of Tri talks. Our idea is to make high-level approach in each capital supplemented by approach by US COCOM delegation to other COCOM delegations in Paris. US COCOM del has been sent sufficient copies of US I–A list to enable them to give copies to other delegations. We believe this approach should result in reduction of time required for countries to formulate positions following presentation of US proposals to CG and enable missions to emphasize at high level importance US attaches to these proposals.
2. Linder discussed possibility such approach by US informally with heads of UK and French delegations today. Their reaction was generally favorable. It was recognized that unilateral US approach to other CG members would rule out complete Tri approach to CG but would still make possible US presentation to CG which wld be immediately and strongly supported by Brit and French to extent agreement is reached in London talks. Also this method wld avoid “fait accompli” disadvantage of full Tri approach. Brit and French still considering possibility of complete Tri approach and we agreed to wait until Monday night for dinner meeting heads Brit and French delegations where joint decision as to most effective approach will be made.
3. Suggest Dept immediately authorize missions to proceed with approach at highest appropriate level subject to final word from London that Brit and French have approved. Approach should follow lines of first para reftel leaving out references to Tri discussions and adding that list I proposals will be made available thru COCOM secretariat in Paris. If asked about Tri discussions, suggest missions take line that US engaging in informal discussions with Brit and French with view to clarifying views.
Dept pass Ottawa, sent Dept 136, rptd info Paris 47, Ottawa 2, Rome 9, Brussels 8, The Hague 7, Copenhagen 8, Oslo 8, Frankfort 20, Lisbon 4, Bern 4, Stockholm 2. [Linder.]