468. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1

2455. Paris pass USRO. Beckett, Min Fuel & Power states:

1)
Estimated UK stocks petrol products sufficient four weeks’ needs with variations in stocks specific items.
2)
Thought given need rationing, legal basis for which now established by order in Council, but introduction full rationing would require time-consuming organization, recruitment of staff, etc., so that UK plans try voluntary restraints consumption as first step. No estimate given re time element application consumption restraints but expected introduce shortly.
3)
UK planning based upon close cooperation US. HMG therefore distressed at reports MEEC meeting and supply distribution subcomm scheduled Nov. 1 canceled at suggestion Dept State for stated reason meeting would serve no useful purpose pending clarification US policy. Also mentioned this connection report Justice Dept had withdrawn anti-trust immunity oil companies cooperate petrol problems arising out of disruption Middle East supply.
4)
Beckett volunteered no connection between present events and previous UK urgency have OEEC oil committee adopt agreement mutual sharing shortages. He expects some OEEC Delegations will demand earlier meeting oil committee than presently scheduled Nov. 14. Would appreciate any background Dept can give on point three, with info to Paris for USRO.

Aldrich
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 840.2553/11–256. Confidential. Received at 10:19 a.m. Repeated to Paris.