840.50 Recovery/12–1349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
4776. Pass Harriman. Dept, ECA, NME and Commerce consider that specific objectives of continuing consultative group shld include completion of satis multilateral 1A list, development of effective multilateral 1B policy, progress on transit trade problem, and useful exchange pertinent econ and security info. Specific organizational arrangements will be satis if they accomplish these ends, if they assure continuing consultation, and if mutually satis to cooperating countries. Foil suggestions offered for consideration OSR in preparation for further discussion permanent org:
- 1.
- Principal contribution of Group appears likely to come from standing working comites visualized for (a) technical aspects of embargo and quantitative control lists, (b) transit trade, (c) 1B consultation, including Finn and Yugo exceptions. Accordingly, US, Brit; and Ital representatives respectively might serve as chairmen these comites. We consider chairmanships of these working groups key positions and that high caliber persons essential. Might also be ad hoc technical groups for special commodity problems.
- 2.
- Function of Group Chairman wld be primarily to call and supervise mtgs of Group. Group wld meet periodically (preferably not too frequently in order assure assignment of good level of representation) [Page 179] to act upon recommendations of the comites, which shld meet more frequently.
- 3.
- Functions of secretariat shld be primarily confined to arrangements for mtgs, reproduction and circulation of documents and facilitating exchange of info. Fr as hosts wld contribute necessary facilities for mtgs and documentation. Might be cooperative gesture suggest that participating countries share in work of secretariat by detailing personnel to assist (notably in preparing English documentation). There appears no special objection to permitting Fr to handle these details of arrangements and documentation, but it might be useful in promoting full coop by all countries to have non-Fr Secy or Asst Secy to coordinate the substantive work of the comites. Nationality of comite chairmen on other hand may well prove significant in advancing work of Group.
- 4.
- It is considered desirable to avoid internatl secretariat with attendant problems budget, administrative discussions, etc.
- 5.
- At plenary mtgs Group will doubtless require some staff assistance beyond that of secretariat. Believe separate country dels shld share staff burden as for Nov mtgs.
- 6.
- Comites and Group wld in gen not have final auth, but wld make recommendations to respective govts.
- 7.
- US representation on the Group, the secretariat, or the comites shld be determined by OSR in consultation with Wash.
- 8.
- Wld welcome Emb and OSR comments these suggestions.