840.50/8–2844
The British Chargé (Campbell) to the Under Secretary of State (Stettinius)
My Dear Mr. Under Secretary: In your letter of August 11th about the procedure for discussions regarding the future work of the Combined Boards, you were good enough to tell me that you had communicated with the United States members of the three Boards and asked them to conclude the preliminary discussions within the [Page 71] Boards as soon as possible. I understand from the United Kingdom representatives on the Boards that the discussions have made substantial progress, and it is our view that the time has come when further consideration might be given to the establishment of the informal group mentioned in the fourth paragraph of my earlier letter. We should propose that the group should be composed on the United Kingdom side of Mr. Marris and Mr. Opie of the British Embassy, Mr. F. G. Lee of the Treasury Delegation, Mr. E. B. Stevens of the Civil Secretariat (representing the Minister Resident) and of the United Kingdom executive officers of the three Boards concerned. It would be clearly understood that the functions of the group would be exploratory only and that its findings would be referred to the Governments concerned and to the United Kingdom, United States, and Canadian members of the Boards.
If you agree that we are now ready to take the next step in these discussions perhaps you would be so good as to give consideration on your side to United States membership and to suggest a date on which a preliminary meeting might be held.
I have been in touch with the Canadian Chargé d’Affaires on this matter and I understand that he is in general agreement with this proposal and will communicate with you separately regarding Canadian representation.
Very sincerely yours