740.5/1–1251: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
secret
Washington, January 12, 1951—7 p. m.
3382. Pass to Spofford. Sir Leslie Rowan has reported to Perkins on Bevin–Stikker conversation of Jan 9 re OEEC–NATO relations.
He indicated main Brit purpose was to cool Stikker off and prevent matter being brought to an issue at this time. Brit believe they succeeded.
Brit position was outlined as consisting of following points:
- 1.
- Essential to maintain important position for OEEC.
- 2.
- Not sufficient personnel to have two major international economic bodies in EUR.
- 3.
- Undesirable to undertake any major reorganization until further effort to develop along lines already established and see how it works out.
- 4.
- Wld hope that more and more functions can be assigned to WG of 12 in Paris.2
A number of questions were raised with Rowan about possibility of proceeding on present basis and having in fact an effective operation.
Acheson