560.AL/2–2348: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
235. For Douglas from Wilcox. Reference Consulate [Embassy] telegram 662 to Department,1 repeated Havana, Deptel 251, February 21. Compromises with undeveloped countries and strategy in negotiation have worked out in full consultation with UK, Commonwealth, and European delegations under Clayton’s direction February 13 through 19. British delegation has not dissented from decisions made in this group but has subsequently sought delays in negotiations.
US delegation defended Geneva draft Article 23 exceptions to rule of non-discrimination during first months of conference. British delegation sought amendments providing greater freedom for discrimination than Geneva draft and supported numerous European amendments having same effect. Final compromise worked out by Clayton accepted by British delegation ad referendum. Gives UK greater latitude than Geneva draft to discriminate during transition period, and permits discrimination in some cases after transition period with prior ITO approval. Further concession would destroy long run hope for multilateral trade and render charter indefensible in US. Draft subsequently accepted by French, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Czechoslovakia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and favorably received by other delegations. Would be impossible obtain as wide support at Havana for any other draft that could be accepted in US.
… US delegation with full support of Dominion and European delegations is assuming leadership in bringing negotiations to conclusion. [Page 868] Final draft of charter will probably be acceptable to all delegations except Switzerland and perhaps Argentina and Uruguay.
Sent London; repeated Department 235.