MSA telegram files, FRC Acc. No. 54 A 298, “Paris Repto”: Telegram
No. 41
The United States Special Representative
in Europe (Draper) to the Mutual Security
Agency1
Repto 2248. Limit distribution. From Draper for Harriman, Kenney, and Bruce.
Am informed by Marjolin that Eden told Stikker he was willing to accept chairmanship of OEEC on understanding that Butler would frequently substitute for him in Ministerial Council. Receptivity of British to OEEC chairmanship also confirmed by Bill Batt, who, with Julius Holmes, had explored this matter earlier this week. I see strong advantages in OEEC having British chairman, especially prestige that this would give organization and also prospect that leadership responsibility would induce British to take more positive attitude. I recognize that there are some risks involved. British might use their position to restrain OEEC initiatives and heavy burdens of Eden and Butler might interfere with personal attention they could give to OEEC. Nonetheless, believe prospective advantages far outweigh these risks.
From conversation we have had we find most OEEC dels prefer British Chairman. It has heretofore been assumed that Butler was most likely British choice for this post but British regard their rep as being primarily Foreign Office responsibility. We are confident that other dels would even more happily welcome Eden as chairman in view of his experience and higher rank.
We all believe it would be most helpful if you could find occasion to assure Eden of US desire he accept chairmanship and urge him to make full use of potentialities of organization.
- Repeated for action to Bonn (for Acheson) and for information to London (for Gifford and Batt). Acheson was in Bonn to attend the signing ceremonies for the Contractual Agreements.↩