Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Foreign Aid and Economic Defense Policy, Volume X

117. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France¹

Washington, May 2, 1956—7:49 p.m.

Topol 1397. Ref: Topol 1385, Deptel 2404 Tokyo.² Discussions with Japanese opened May 2.³ United States representative emphasized discussions exploratory and tentative; indicated United States not prepared participate early CG meeting; stressed United States concern in 1) maintaining substantial China differential 2) restoring copper wire to embargo control 3) achieving other United States Negotiating Objectives including ship controls. Expressed desire Japanese support United States position. Stated United States in return would raise no objection exceptions requests for certain agreed items and presented items contained Lists A and B for discussion purposes only. Emphasized confidential nature discussions.

Japanese representative Shima said Japan understands necessity for maintaining stricter controls at this time and does not expect removal entire differential when next CG meeting held. Emphasized ultimate objective his government is elimination entire China differential; has received no indication reaction his government to holding CG meeting. Will seek instructions this point; also to restoring copper wire to embargo control and other U.S. objectives. Next joint meeting scheduled May 7.

Appreciate being advised promptly results conversations with British French and other PC’s.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 493.009/5–256. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by William C. Ockey, Acting Officer in Charge of Economic Affairs, NA; approved by Howard Jones; and repeated to Tokyo and London. The Embassy in Paris was instructed to pass this telegram to USRO/ST.
2. Telegram 2404 to Tokyo, May 1, repeated to Paris as Topol 1385, summarized the action taken by the NSC on China trade controls at the meeting of April 26. (Ibid., 493.009/5–156)
3. A more detailed memorandum of the discussions with the Japanese on May 2, drafted by Ockey, is Ibid., 493.009. In a memorandum dated April 30, addressed to Prochnow, Elbrick, and Sebald, Hoover explained Dulles’ position on negotiating with the Japanese: “The Secretary assumed that no firm commitments would be made in these negotiations and that the Japanese would not be advised of our discussions with the British. (Ibid., 493.009/4–3056)