840.70/11–144: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman)
9253. For EITO Delegation. It is noted that the British views contained in paragraph 4 of your 9446, November 1 antedated receipt of the Soviet note. Have the British given any indication since then that they might be prepared to participate in an inland transport organization which did not include the Soviets and Yugoslavs at this time but which would (a) provide for their inclusion at a later date, or (b) have means of coordinating its activities with those of nonparticipating governments? Would such an organization necessarily be limited to western countries or would eastern countries such as Yugoslavia, Greece and Poland participate?
Have you any suggestions as to procedure by which continued consideration could be given to the technical aspects of EITO? For example, would it be possible to assemble a drafting committee on which participation would be voluntary, consisting of those delegations which favor an EITO with authority. This committee might [Page 852] draw up an acceptable draft agreement which could be submitted to the conference at large for signature. Do you see any way in which the establishment of such a drafting group, either
- (a)
- as a sub-committee of the Main Committee, or
- (b)
- as attached to the present bi-partite Interim Commission, might be constituted without precipitating a formal Soviet withdrawal until it came time for final signature.
Have the British suggested any alternative proposals? Your comments and possible solutions would be welcome.
These questions should not be discussed with any delegation. We do not wish to put forward any proposals at the present time.