560.AL/8–1348: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
secret
London, August 13,
1948—6 p. m.
3678. For Brown and War for Draper from Leddy and Marbury.
- 1.
- Upon our arrival London Bliss had already urged with Makins desirability British support at Geneva for adoption open-end agreement covering all occupied areas including Japan. Makins replied this impossible in view time factor and also rejected proposal that agreement be left open for later British adherence on ground that agreement would be frozen and could not be reopened later if special difficulties should develop.
- 2.
- Makins pointed out that Bevin’s letter to Douglas June 261 clearly indicated British unable commit themselves to completing consultation within any given time period and also that US had not yet approached British specifically on this question. In view this it seems clear Douglas has no basis for approaching Bevin at this time on grounds letter June 26. Accordingly we consider best course, the Ambassador and Bliss concur, is to make every effort obtain British support for third alternative position, namely drafting of agreement on Japan at technical level Geneva for firm negotiation at subsequent session GATT. Makins so far reluctant to make firm commitment to negotiate re Japan third session. He indicated to Bliss, however, that British would not object to multilateral agreement at Geneva incorporating commitments on Germany and FTT included in exchanged MFN notes in connection with ECA agreement.
- 3.
- ReEmbtel 3553, August 6,2 Makins indicated UK still considering proposal affecting trust territories in view possible questions of principle or precedent involved.
Sent Department 3678; repeated Geneva 67 for Stinebower. [Leddy and Marbury.]
Douglas