780.5/12–1351: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
niact
2889. Dept has now recd texts proposed UK, Fr and Turk replies to Sov note Nov 24 re MEC. Dept believes there is substantial accord and no difference in principle between the notes. Final version of text US reply will be sent to Emb Moscow within next several hours. Dept understands from Brit Emb here that Fr believe note shld be delivered by 14th with publication 24 hours later. Dept agreeable to this. We have suggested to Brit Emb time of release be ten in morning Wash time Sat Dec 15.
I. Embs London Paris and Ankara requested inform respective FonOffs:
- (a)
- US believes that there is substantial accord between four Govts on principles contained in respective notes and that notes shld now be presented USSR; (b) US agreeable to presenting notes to USSR Dec 14 if reps four Govts Moscow are able to concert action and obtain appts that day.
II. Emb Moscow requested concert with UK Fr and Turk colleagues in seeking appt with Sov Fon Ministry Dec 14 to present notes. Dept has agreed with Brit Emb here that notes might be presented in order of dipl precedence. If impossible arrange presentation Dec 14 inform Dept and Embs London, Paris and Ankara immed.
- Drafted by Kopper of NE, cleared with EE, BNA, WE, S/S, RA, and GTI. Approved and signed for Secretary Acheson by Kopper. Also sent niact to Paris as 3465, Ankara as 510, and Moscow as 408.↩