394.31/1–1751: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation to the Torquay Conference (Corse) to the Secretary of State
354. 1. UK, Benelux, Italy, France, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Canada, US represented in January 16 meeting re Blankenstein proposal.1
2. Representatives generally uninstructed.
3. No statement in opposition proposal, but UK doubted practicability and together with France spoke several times emphasizing technical and other difficulties.
4. Benelux stated little or no hope conclude multilateral tariff reductions Torquay, but could prepare ground for negotiations after Torquay, results to be presented to CP’s.
5. Canada along with US agreed proposal had merit and suggested OEEC countries negotiating multilaterally, the results of which could be placed before CP’s, particularly Canada and US, for consideration as to payment by other CP’s.
6. US suggested immediate action looking to results if possible at Torquay at least on limited list items.
7. Agreed meet again June [January] 25 for detailed discussion (a) paragraphs 4 through 10 Benelux memo; (b) Canadian proposal; (c) possibility negotiations Torquay limited list items.
Sent Department 354, repeated information Paris 22 for Havlik OSR.
- These meetings, extending from January 16 to March 7, 1951, were not officially part of the Torquay Conference. A summary transcript of the meetings is located in Lot 57 D 284, Box 134.↩