Office of the Historian

460.509/7–1654: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Aldrich) to the Department of State1

secret
priority
London, July 16, 1954—2 p.m.

287. EXCON.

1.
Thorneycroft–Stassen discussion today indicates no US–UK list differences. Anticipation shipping agreement 150,007 tons might be reached with fixed quotas to prevent Soviet bargaining for price advantages, although British concerned that Danes and Dutch may be seeking larger share than their competitive position would justify. Stassen mentioned Danes had invited him to lunch today. He reported talks with French and Germans re TAC and enforcement and expect all PC’s will move forward as quickly as possible for at least trial period with subsequent review to consider results experienced this period.
2.
Thorneycroft emphasized timing most difficult problem from UK standpoint as he must make statement in House by July 29 at very latest. Stassen pointed out if cease-fire in Indochina, early peel-off easily decided, perhaps in August. However, if serious situation continues, timing would be most unfortunate. US position is not to oppose peel-off indefinitely merely because continuing Indochina fighting, but would certainly oppose at time, e.g., of critical fighting in Red River delta. Thorneycroft said if no cease-fire UK may wish make further limited proposals before end July to offset business pressure.
3.
Discussion reaffirmed plan to trilateral morning 19th in Paris and peel-off question to be raised in CG on 20th, thus allowing time to consider Geneva action and permit further discussions with other delegates on the 19th. If agreement on timing not reached in CG, proposals will be made for subsequent early meeting, possibly July 24, for further study depending on existing circumstances in [Page 1230] Indochina. Meeting might be either CG or COCOM working under delegated authority to reach decision on peel-off if Indochina situation changed.
4.
Comment: Thorneycroft appears quite willing to wait until 20th for decision on timing, but obvious that if Geneva situation continues unresolved, British likely to advance other proposals to permit statement with positive substance by July 29 in House of Commons.
Aldrich
  1. Repeated to Paris.↩