394.31/2–1551: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation to the Torquay Conference (Corse) to the Secretary of State
priority
439. 1. Blankenstein position described Deptel 435 February 14 repeated Paris 39 and London 198 is quite rigid, having been reached by Council of Presidents of Benelux Union 3 days ago. Since Council does not meet again until May 3, possibility of Benelux shifting position [Page 1350] significantly in interim is extremely limited. Accordingly, at tomorrow’s meeting, Blankenstein will push reported position.
2. UK will resist Blankenstein’s proposal on several grounds including (a) view that GATT should not prejudge action to be taken in OEEC and (b) view that same difficulties will prevent action in OEEC as are preventing action in GATT.
3. UK will also object to any proposal which might be made by US along lines paragraph 3 reftel. Principal asserted reasons for such objection are unprecedented use of secretariat contemplated in proposal and lack of expectation of any concrete results.
4. Chairman of working group (Denmark), while apparently willing to pass problem to OEEC, wishes conclude exercise with frank declaration that basic difficulties are political considerations and that no real progress can be made in any forum unless new political framework provided.
5. US efforts have been directed at preventing conclusion exercise tomorrow. If necessary to achieve this result, may submit paper for further consideration along lines paragraph 3 reftel.
6. Belgian delegation has indicated willingness consider establishment intersessional GATT working party to attempt salvage some procedure from Dutch, US, other proposals.
Sent Department 439, information London 199, Paris 49 for OSR.