740.5/3–1251: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State 1
Depto 619. For Cabot from Spofford. With further reference Todep 288 of March 5,2 would greatly appreciate earliest confirmation, in response to Depto 604 of March 8,3 as to position I should take on FEB. Since I have already indicated to CD my intention table paper on general economic and finance work in NATO, and since there has been some comment in London press this subject, believe desirable proceed as soon as possible.
Understand from various telephone conversations that final US position will support location FEB Paris, but that instruction this subject held up pending resolution interdepartmental differences as implications this decision for future policy on overall geographic consolidation. Hope you can resolve or defer latter issue soonest. On foregoing assumption re US position on location FEB, only outstanding question is whether paper should contain explicit reference to location or should be left to possible CD questions on subject. Do not believe this question particularly important and would accordingly propose adopt suggestion paragraph 1 reftel. Believe in addition, paper should be expanded to instruct organizing committee to report on how practical operating relationships can best be worked out between FEB and other NAT bodies in light geographical separation. Would plan review this problem with Katz at earliest opportunity.