460.509/12–2251: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Acting Secretary of State
3758. Excon. For Dept information following represents some informal views recently expressed here by reps other govts re MDAC implementation:
1. In informal COCOM session chairman invited dels to contribute personal views on points US might take into account in MDAC Act [Page 1224] implementation. USDel expressed willingness but most other dels were reluctant.
- a.
- Eventually Fr del expressed following personal thoughts: Belief such discussion, particularly re exceptions procedure, might be helpful but would not be able participate for some time due pressure other work; concerned about brevity of time before act takes effect; about one-fifth of 60-day interim period had elapsed before aide-mémoire and lists delivered in Washington; further time elapsed before these transmitted to capitals, translated and distributed to operating officials; therefore completion prior commitment inventory impossible for Jan 1 as previously proposed by USDel, and doubtful even by Jan 24; therefore US postponement Jan 24 cut-off date would be highly desirable. (While realizing act establishes this date, USDel raises question whether time problem, which may arise in connection many PC’s could be met by some form of temporary blanket exception, perhaps to Feb 15 or 29. This possibility was not indicated to other dels.)
- b.
- UK del expressed following personal thoughts: Wondered why most IL II items were left off title II list; hoped US wld consult multi-laterally before making any further additions to either primary list or title II list; understood US not entirely satisfied with some results achieved in extensive and lengthy COCOM discussions on quantitative control . . .1 list II items, but hoped MDAC implementation would not lead to reopening those discussions.
2. Emb officials have informed US del that various Fr FonOff officials connected or familiar with COCOM operation have informally stated: Strong interest in maintaining COCOM effective multilateral organization; considerable doubt whether MDAC Act will be implemented in way to permit this; approach by rep some other PC (unidentified) re possible meeting all PC’s except US to discuss their views re continuing function COCOM.
- One word illegible in the file copy.↩