Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIII, Western Europe Region

250. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts in Europe¹

Washington, May 2, 1967, 8:14 p.m.

186605. BUSEC. NATUS. CEDTO. Subject: UK Application to Join EEC: Wilson Announcement May 2, 1967. Ref: State Circular 131558, February 3, 1967.²

1. Wilson announcement of HMG intention formally apply for membership European Communities inevitably of major interest to USG. Nevertheless, we must continue maintain low visibility position. Addressee posts should be guided by following supplement to guidance of February 3, 1967 referenced above which continues reflect USG position.

2. President’s October 7 statement remains basic, most recent and most authoritative enunciation of US policy regarding broadening of European Communities.

3. We note that Wilson in statement to Commons May 2 placed new stress upon UK political goals in a united Europe. This recognition of basic political nature and objective of European integration seems to us important and constructive new element in UK position.

4. As previously instructed, addressee posts should treat UK decision in low, unemotional key so as to attract minimum diplomatic or public attention to US in UK-Community negotiations. If asked about relation of UK bid to Kennedy Round, you should reply we see no reason to believe there is or should be any direct relation between need for urgent conclusion of Kennedy Round and longer term prospects for negotiations on British entry.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, EEC 6 UK. Confidential. Drafted by Fina; cleared by Hinton, EUR, E, STR, and BMI; and approved by Springsteen. Sent to 15 Western European posts.
2. Circular telegram 131558 provided guidance for what the United States said publicly and what it told certain countries but not others, and listed the issues that still needed to be examined. (Ibid.)