Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, General: Economic and Political Matters, Volume I, Part 2

460.509/2–2654: Telegram

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

confidential
priority

London, February 26, 1954—11 a.m.

3679. Excon. Re Embtel 3676, repeated information Paris Topol 136, February 26.² Churchill’s statement contained reftel has caused considerable embarrassment to Foreign Office whom we have been pressing vigorously for past several weeks for definite word on new policy and resumption bilaterals. Foreign Office states delay in setting up resumed bilaterals due entirely fact Prime Minister has been personally involved in policy decisions and is now considering manner in which UK’s position will be made known in detail to US (i.e., appropriate level). Foreign Office confirms that Cabinet has made final review and Cabinet’s position translated into detailed proposals and expects resolution of “level of approach” problem in next couple of days.

Foreign Office in explanation Prime Minister’s statement apparently gave press guidance which pointed out that UK’s proposals for relaxation strategic lists will shortly be made in COCOM but that no changes will be made in lists until COCOM has considered UK’s proposals. Purpose this move probably to dispel idea that UK had to get “approval” of policy from US, but press guidance now puts us in awkward position for conduct bilaterals since other countries will now have indication new policy and can be expected to urge earliest submission to COCOM. It is obvious that UK can count on support of most other PCs in relaxation proposals.

Embassy understands unofficially that UK’s position will be proposal for embargo list of about 130 items, minimum number. List II items and willingness for negotiating purposes retain substantial List III although this last not part of proposal.

Aldrich

1. Repeated to Paris.
2. Not printed; it contained the text of a speech made by Prime Minister Churchill in the House of Commons on Feb. 25. (460.509/2–2654) The speech, which consisted mostly of a report on the results of the Berlin Conference, Jan. 25-Feb. 18, 1954, contained several paragraphs in which the Prime Minister advocated the relaxation of controls over trade between the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom. For the full text of the speech, see H.C. Deb., 5th Series, vol. 524, pp. 582 ff.