840.70/10–1844: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 19—7:06 a.m.]
8900. To Berle from EITO Delegation. Soviets and British have expressed hope that upon signature of EITO agreement the Conference can resolve itself into the council.
This would be possible by drawing from each delegation its nominee to the council. Since it is intended that agreement will become effective on signature there appears to be nothing to prevent this, procedure provided the Department feels that the United States could participate. Confirmation by the President by an executive agreement rather than ratification by the Senate would in view of the desirability of prompt action appear preferable unless there are countervailing considerations of which we are not aware. In this [Page 830] connection if the question arose whether the United States could participate provisionally in the council it appears to us that this might be more readily arranged if we were awaiting confirmation rather than ratification. So far as we know all the other conferees expect to treat it as an executive agreement. We would appreciate being informed of the Department’s views and what we might appropriately advise the British and Soviet Delegations.
The Soviets advise that they hope to receive final clarification of their position by Friday October 20.
The main committee of the Conference held two meetings on Tuesday, October 17. No questions of substance were discussed pending receipt by the Soviet Delegation of new instructions. The next meeting of the committee will be held on Friday. [EITO Delegation.]