560.AL/10–3146: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith)
1962. To comply legal requirements for trade agreement negotiations next spring it is necessary publish legal notice of intention to negotiate. Although Soviets have not replied our invitation, Dept has decided include them in notice. This publication is not to be interpreted as renewed importunity to Soviets, but legal step necessary leave us free negotiate next spring. Following exchange cables with ITO delegation London is relevant.
(Deptel 7418, Oct 29 to London) “Dept considering omitting Soviets from public notice intention to negotiate trade agreements in view (a) their failure after 11 months to answer our invitation, (b) extreme unlikelihood any substantial Soviet interest in tariff concessions. Dept does not wish to be in position announcing intent negotiate with nation which has ignored our invitation. This omission would preclude tariff negotiations with Soviets in April but would not interfere general commercial-policy agreement. Please give your reactions [Page 1355] soonest in view proposal urtel 902 Oct 2499 for Prep Com sponsorship tariff negotiations.”
(Embtel 9163, Oct 31 from London) “Re your telegram 7418 discussed exclusion Russia from published list full delegation meeting. Opinion of delegation unanimous Russia should not be removed for following reasons: 1. Klentsov, Soviet trade delegate in London has made overtures to me expressing interest in conference, excusing Soviet absence solely by manpower shortage, and indicating Soviets may wish to participate at later stage. [2.] We should always be in position to say we have kept door wide open to Russian participation and not give slightest basis for propaganda charge that US unilaterally precluded such participation. Withdrawal Russia’s name now might be interpreted as US conclusion that complete final break in economic relations between east and west inevitable. Would be undesirable permit this impression at this stage. 3. Removal Russia might seriously weaken support of France and Czechoslovakia here. 4. Russia still a member of Preparatory Commission may attend spring meeting devoted predominantly tariff negotiations. 5. Cannot see that embarrassment retaining Russia on list would be serious. Delegation judgment concurred in by Hawkins and Winant.”
- Not printed.↩