Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume IX, International Development and Economic Defense Policy; Commodities

287. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva¹

Washington, October 8, 1965, 7:01 p.m.

GATT 3130. Ref: TAGG 3435,² 3443.³ Soviet Participation in Grains Discussion. We see no reason to depart from position contained US proposal to Cereals Group of last May. US position envisages eventual extension of negotiations to include all GATT members having interest in cereals. Accession would be open to any member of UN and UN specialized agencies.

Not only is there no present need—as Cereals Group agreed on October 1—to bring Soviets into discussion; we do not foresee any need or advantage to do so during this negotiation. Essential objective of negotiations is to improve access to main commercial markets, and to bring about better balance between world commercial demand and supply. No reason to believe Soviets prepared to make access commitments. On other hand, Soviet presence could add complications to negotiation that is already overcharged with complications. If bargaining results in proposal for new price range or other changes in present IWA arrangements, these could be negotiated separately with all countries participating in IWA.

Suggest you caution WW not to raise expectations that Soviets will be brought into GATT Cereals Group. In addition, while we have no objection Soviets being informed, we do not wish information be given in such detail or comments be invited, so that Soviets would thereby become de facto participants.

Ball

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, INCO–GRAINS GATT. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Thomas O. Enders (EUR/RPE) and Fred H. Sanderson on October 8; cleared by Irwin R. Hedges (STR), Carl Schmidt (OT), Worthington (USDA), and James L. Colbert (EUR/SOV); and approved by George R. Jacobs (ICD). Repeated to Moscow and Ottawa.
2. TAGG 3435, October 1, reported that Wyndham White had suggested that the Soviet Union should be either invited to take part in GATT negotiations, or else it could be informed of the discussions and be assured of being invited to participate at a later date. (Ibid.)
3. TAGG 3443, October 4, summarized a meeting between Wyndham White and representatives of the Cereals Group on October 1, at which they discussed Soviet participation and agreed that no formal approach to the Soviets was necessary at present. (Ibid.)