394.31/2–351: Telegram
The Temporary Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation to the Torquay Conference (Phelps) to the Secretary of State
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394. USTAC Attention Corse.
1. Wilgress1 proposing informally among delegates extension conference dates. He approached Schwenger2 on following:
- (a)
- Negotiations will not in fact be completed present schedule. If we postpone decision, will be in trouble last minute because hotel arrangements (especially office hotels), plans important delegates, and generally unsatisfactory nature makeshift extension. He is sure US-Canadian delegates will desire extension.
- (b)
- He is concerned OEEC country sentiment shift multilateral negotiations Paris on preferential basis. Considers multilaterals Torquay [Page 1336] might prevent. Considers time extension important our favor. Suggests major effort significant, if limited, Torquay multilaterals. Suggests emphasis reciprocal deals between high tariff countries, Italy, France, UK, Germany, each benefiting the other, incidental benefits to low tariff countries. Points out difficult find US-Canada concessions adequate compensate significant multilaterals except as supplement intra-high-tariff-country benefits.
- (c) His proposal: Negotiations end April 8, signature April 29, no Easter break.
2. In short conversation impossible get Wilgress judgment re importance points (a) and (b) above. Apparently both sincere. Stated felt very strongly about extension.
3. Delegation judgment impossible complete satisfactory bilaterals following countries before dates shown: UK and dominions as a group, March 15; Cuba and France, possibly by March 31; Peru and Dominican Republic depending on Cuba and Canada. Expected others could be completed by or before February 28.
4. Delegation considered March 23 as cut-off date for bilaterals but Strong sentiment for Wilgress dates which would also avoid pressure hotels eject people before Easter while maintaining pressure against Easter conference break.
5. Wilgress requested further consultation today. Will cable results.
6. Wilgress returning London Sunday. (Fifth meeting multilaterals Monday afternoon.) Many delegates known to favor present closing scheduled. Blankenstein expressed to Schwenger some resentment Wilgress suggestion due danger loss momentum. Schwenger used this argument with Wilgress. Wilgress said must risk this. Thought momentum good, risk not great.
7. Please instruct soonest whether support Wilgress.