460.509/7–2051: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
priority
439. Excon. From Linder. CG mtgs held July 19–20 in 3 plenary sessions. Adjourned today with agreement reconvening Aug 1 at which time CG will take final action on list II and exceptions proposals and will refer any unagreed I–A COCOM for disposition. PC’s agreed to hasten response to extent possible and scheduled COCOM mtg July 26 in order to receive any responses and permit discussion for further clarification points raised about items or other proposals. [Page 1158] COCOM instructed to prepare summarizing point of agreement and residual area disagreement.
US opening statement along lines given in London was commented upon very favorably as reflecting US willingness proceed in cooperative spirit. Most dels indicated recognition US problem and desire to meet it. Denmark del was generally obstructionist throughout. Dels recognized urgency of problem from US viewpoint, while insisting on adequate time give full study to US proposals. Following Linder presentation Berthoud made very fine extemporaneous speech lauding US approach to problem and setting excellent tone for remainder of mtg.
Between plenary sessions, round table mtg conducted by Tri dels to clarify QC and exceptions proposals, and we believe relatively little difficulty will be encountered in this field if something can be done about Den and possibly FedRep (on base period aspect).
After Fr del presented exceptions proposal, USDel commented on fact that list I goods more important than those on list II and that proposal not intended in any sense as relaxation of previously existing agreement under which PC’s have treated exceptions with greatest caution. US statement circulated for record.
In commenting on US [position?] UK del stated (and circulated for record) that unable to complete examination of items in short time available but in light our documentation and their own independent review they cld accept 33 (subj certain modifications of defin) for addition list I. On remaining 20, stated must fully reserve position pending their exam by group. (Berthoud promised UK position in COCOM review will be to continue exploration 20 items and not to freeze position at 33.) On whole we believe sessions went well.
Sent Dept 439 rptd info London 102. [Linder.]