Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western European Integration and Security, Canada, Volume VII, Part 1

116. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the European Communities⁰

May 2, 1960, 6:21 p.m.

Busec 399. Brussels for USEC and Embassy. Luxembourg for USEC and Embassy. Paris for Embassy and information USRO.

1. On basis soundings Paris and follow-up discussions in capitals appears likely six EEC governments and Commission will agree proposal hold informal and unpublicized consultations with US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand re proposals common agricultural policy. However, comments by EEC member governments indicated not possible for variety reasons have consultations in May. Accordingly Department discussed timing with Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Embassy officials Washington and now have their governments’ agreement following:

A. Representation should be at senior official level to emphasize importance of consultation. (US group will be headed by either Deputy Assistant Secretary Martin or Adair.)

B. Propose consultations between our exporters as a group and individual EEC governments and Commission begin June 20. Envisage one or two days each capital of Six with possibility Belgium and Luxembourg would prefer joint meetings in Brussels.

Round-robin beginning Hague June 20–21; Bonn June 22–23; Rome June 24–25; Paris June 27–28 and ending Brussels June 29–30 with consultation EEC Commission following talks BLEU.

C. Officials four exporters would have preliminary meeting Washington May 18–20 to discuss approach to each of six and Commission, exchange views and analysis on nature of problems presented by Commission proposals and explore objectives but not seek develop common presentation or common position. Discussions would be informal, free and frank.

D. Teams of four exporters would have advance meeting in Europe probably The Hague, June 18 to discuss tactics and approach.

2. While reports on agreement to consult received only from Dutch Government (Embtel 1354), Federal Republic (Embtel 1939) and Dr. Mansholt for EEC Commission (Ecbus 622),¹ all action addressees requested seek make arrangements along lines paragraphs 1A and B. Representations except Embassy Paris may be in concert with Embassies Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Embassy Paris should indicate continued US preference consultations with French on four government basis but if French continue oppose Embassy authorized agree meet on two by two basis, i.e. US and Canada; Australia and New Zealand. If others of Six raise question two by two consultation, missions should indicate strong desire US for consultations with four, noting that French arrangement matter of convenience for French Government.

3. Missions should be aware fact US Government attaches great importance these consultations. Believe full and frank discussion common agricultural policy proposals will be helpful all participants but publicity could affect character discussions. Therefore desirable avoid “leaks” to press or agricultural interests.

4. US team will also include senior official Department Agriculture. FYI. Understand Warren, Assistant Deputy Minister, Department Trade and Commerce will head Canadian team.

Dillon

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 375.800/5–260. Official Use Only. Drafted by Ryss. Also sent to Bonn, Luxembourg, The Hague, Rome, and Paris and repeated to Ottawa, Canberra, Geneva, and Wellington.
1. Telegram 1345 from The Hague, April 20, reported Dutch views on EEC agricultural policy. (ibid., 375.42/4–2060) Telegram 1939 from Bonn, April 8, reported on German discussions with Canadian representatives and the German desire for a general discussion of agricultural policies in June. (ibid., 398.00 PA/4–860) In Ecbus 622, April 8, Butterworth reported that the EEC welcomed the chance to discuss agricultural policy with the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. (ibid.)