Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

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

London, May 8, 1963, 6 p.m.

4429. Deptel 5888.² Substance report contained reftel confirmed by FonOff source (Hope-Jones). In extremely frank discussion on current developments in space communications Hope-Jones indicated the following:

1. There has been considerable pulling and hauling among European countries as to how to proceed in space communications. FonOff has been attempting take the lead in organizing European countries to focus on this question. Unfortunately Cabinet indecision led to delays and in end French seized initiative. As result first meeting will be held at invitation of French in Paris at Ambassadorial level on May 20. British Minister in Paris, Sir Algernon Rumbold, will head UK Delegation which will include Hope-Jones, Sir Robert Harvey and MOA representatives. The British were successful in arranging for a second meeting at Ministerial level to be held in London in July.

2. French wish primary point on Paris agenda to be “forms of European cooperation” but British have indicated they intend enlarge scope this item to include general international concept of space communications since obvious some understanding on this point must be reached prior to discussion of European forms of cooperation. Other agenda items include (A) machinery for handling space communications matters between European countries on both industry and government levels; (Hope-Jones indicated UK plans propose standing committee as initial inter-governmental organization until clearer idea obtained as to type international organization required.) (B) relations with the UN; (C) relations with under-developed countries, and (D) provision of guidance to CEPT.

3. UK expects Paris meeting will identify problems and determine general scope of substantive statement to be presented US following July meeting. During July meeting governments will present positions on points developed during Paris discussion and presumably agree on details of statement.

4. With respect to CEPT European governments concerned with implications of CEPT questionnaire and presumably have decided against sending questionnaire to US. Hope-Jones implied that hereafter CEPT discussions and actions will be directed by governments. This has apparently generated considerable adverse reaction on part GPO and PTT administrations. GPO has informed FonOff that US Communications Satellite Corporation taking over responsibility for international dealings involving space communications and State Department activities in this area are phasing out. On basis this report GPO attempting persuade HMG that there is no need for FonOff involvement since matters can now be resolved between technical administrations, i.e. GPO, PTT and Communications Satellite Corporation. (Department may wish comment on this.)

5. Hope-Jones said there was some feeling in Europe that French were trying to dominate European space communications scene. French are reported to have indicated they would go into cooperative arrangement with US on space communications only for limited period of five years “to learn the business” and then withdraw to form independent system. When asked with whom the French could establish independent system, Hope-Jones replied presumably there would always be specific links which might lie outside the main axis of a global system, e.g. France-Africa.

6. In conclusion Hope-Jones stated FonOff position favoring single global system substantially represents UK posture today but, at instigation MOA, UK is keeping as alternative course possibility of independent system in event global system advocated by US did not permit UK adequate opportunity to participate in all phases.

Comment: In view Hope-Jones’ frankness and sensitivity of this material, Department requested protect source. UK position for Paris meeting on May 20 expected to be formulated end next week. Embassy will attempt learn substance and report.

Bruce

1. Source: National Archives and Records Center, RG 59, IO/OES Files: Lot 68 D 379, K–11, Negotiations on International Organization, 1963. Secret; Priority; No Distribution Outside Dept.
2. In telegram 5888 to London, May 7, the Department asked for information on meetings to be held in Europe concerning commercial communications satellite planning. (Ibid., Central Files 1960–63, TEL 3 CEPT)