740.00119 Council/5–1348: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
2107. For Lovett’s Eyes Only from Douglas. Your 1725, May 12.1 Discussed Ruhr problem with Harriman again today. He, while feeling that neither he nor the administrator should initiate the suggestion that the international control authority make allocations of coal, coke and steel if any, in accordance with approved OEEC programs, feels that it is a sound and valid way of dealing with the matter. He feels, too, as we all feel and as has frequently been stated [Page 245] to be our position, that the controlling voice of the US, arising out of its heavy financial contributions, should be preserved.
Clay and Murphy returned to Berlin this afternoon. Murphy, I think, almost convinced that the suggestion is good, and Clay in much more conciliatory and compromising frame of mind.
The talks are temporarily recessed over the week-end and Whitsun Monday,2 but will be resumed Tuesday morning.
- Not printed; it urged Ambassador Douglas to get in touch with Ambassador Harriman in Paris the “very soonest” in order to discuss the Ruhr problem (740.00119 Council/5–1248). Telegram 2085, May 13, from London, not printed, reported that Douglas already had held one conversation with Harriman on the Ruhr. (740.00119 Council/5–1348)↩
- May 17.↩