850.33/6–2151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
6068. Re Embtels 67072 and 67253 Jun 21, pls inform FonOff that US can not agree to connect solution UK scrap problem with dissolution IAR and abolition other controls. We do not consider keeping conditions confidential, which we do not believe could be done in any case, removes several basic objections outlined previously. We will consider after receipt of views HICOG our attitude toward specific quantities which the Brit wish but we are not prepared to take any action on this matter so long as it is tied to the Paris-Schuman Plan discussion on the dissolution of the Ruhr Authority. Pls reiterate to FonOff that once two problems are separated US reps in Ger prepared to participate fully in talks with Gers designed to make certain that Gers export equitable quantities scrap and semi-finished steel. We wld welcome specific suggestions from Brit as to how, short of link with IAR discussions, US can assist.
[Page 126]Friedrich and Erhard will be in Wash within next two weeks and Dept could raise problem with them at that time indicating our concern adequate Ger performance.4
- Drafted by George Jacobs of GER and Miriam Camp of RA. Cleared with Vernon and Martin of EUR and repeated to Paris and Frankfurt.↩
- Document 60.↩
- Supra.↩
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In telegram 8016 from Paris, June 22, Ambassador Bruce reported that he had told members of the British Embassy that the United States had endorsed West German participation in the Schuman Plan on an equal status with all other member nations with all the advantages and disadvantages that such a status implied and that it was therefore out of the question now for the United States to support “an irrelevant prior condition” to the elimination of the Ruhr Authority and other controls over German coal and steel industries. Bruce added that he had “pressed again” the U.S. offer to participate in direct talks with the Germans to increase deliveries of scrap and semifinished steel to the United Kingdom. (850.33/6–2251)
In telegram 6809 from London, June 26, Ambassador Gifford reported that he had called on Morrison and had spoken to him along lines indicated in telegram 6068. Morrison replied that the Germans had “fallen down on commitments re scrap” and that in the circumstances the Minister of Supply and others in the Cabinet had come to feel that the only way of getting action from the Germans was by linking scrap deliveries with the question of the termination of the Ruhr Authority. Morrison concluded that if a scheme could be worked out which would secure deliveries without tying the scrap question to that of abolition of the IAR and controls, “he believed he could sell it to Cabinet.” Gifford expressed confidence that a solution along such lines could be found which would be satisfactory to all parties and suggested that he be authorized to pursue the matter with the French Embassy and the Foreign Office. (850.33/6–2651)
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