PPS files, lot 65 D 101, Chron. 1954
Memorandum by Jacob D. Beam of the Policy Planning Staff to the Director of That Staff (Bowie)
- Subject:
- Letter from Secretary of Commerce Weeks Proposing We Extract Political Concessions in Return for a Relaxation of East-West Trade.
This letter was considered in Mr. Murphy’s Office Monday, May 24. Mr. Waugh, Mr. Ben Moore and myself were the only others present. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Waugh felt very strongly that it would be completely impracticable to extract any political concessions in our larger dealings with the Russians and Chinese, as for instance at the Geneva Conference, in return for an increase in East-West trade.
I raised the point whether, if we could get some agreement between us and the Western nations, we might not be able to request successfully some relaxation of Soviet restrictions in Berlin, also better treatment for foreign business men in China, in connection with whatever increase in trade with China might be contemplated. To my regret these suggestions met with a cold reception and Mr. Waugh was given the task of drafting a reply to Mr. Weeks. The reply1 will probably state that the question has been carefully considered by our Department and will suggest that Mr. Weeks consult with Mr. Stassen, in order to see whether he has any ideas.
- Not found in Department of State files.↩