740.5/3–3151: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State 1
Depto 699. 1. Informal staff discussions with Brit have persuaded them accept our revised FEB resolution (document D(51) 78 revised of Mar 212), convening ad hoc organizing comite in London “to prepare recommendations to CD re establishment machinery which wld bring together in one body under CD responsibility for econ and fin work in NAT”. Principal points upon which Brit desired reassurance were:
- a.
- That FEB wld be subordinate to CD; and
- b.
- That level representation on FEB was not prejudiced by our resolution.
2. We judge Brit concern arises mainly out of two points:
- a.
- Fear that unduly autonomous FEB might seek develop recommendations to member govts on their econ policies which wld embarrass UK (although not clear why Brit any better or worse protected against such contingency by their representation [on FEB?]; and
- b.
- Unwillingness have body on which Hall-Patch is Brit rep subordinate to body on which Hoyer-Millar is their rep. Brit desire designate Eric Roll as their rep FEB.
3. Further comment will fol after discussion with OSR. Believe CD action on resolution now assured for Apr 2 and we will propose Apr 10 as date for convening organizing comite. Pls note resolution calls for CD “pursuing discussion of gen principles expressed in US FEB proposal with view giving organizing comite further guidance thereon.”