740.00119 EW/6–1445: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 14—11:18 a.m.]
2071. ReDeptel 1250 June 7, 7 p.m.31 British Ambassador has written Maiski under date of June 12 replying to latter’s note of May 30 on question of French participation in Reparations Commission. Clark Kerr reiterates British viewpoint that it is essential to secure agreement of French Govt as one of occupying powers and member of Control Council to policy to be adopted in regard to reparations by other three powers. Failure to do so may result in unilateral action of awkward nature by French authorities and failure to adopt appropriate measures in French zone to effect reparations policy. If French representative is not included in Commission anomalous position will arise whereby Allied Control Council working [Page 1236] in Berlin on four-power basis will decide general economic policy for Germany whereas three-power body in Moscow will be considering reparation question which cannot be separated from economic questions.
Note continues that British Govt agrees as to desirability of Commission beginning its work immediately. Since Soviet Govt is not prepared to accept what appears to British as most businesslike and rational procedure—namely inclusion of French representative from beginning—British Govt has decided to accept Soviet proposal that Commission begin work on tripartite basis and that question of adding representatives of other govts continue to be discussed separately. Clark Kerr expresses belief of British Govt that it will be found expedient to add French representative at very early stage in Commission’s work.
British Delegation headed by Monckton32 and consisting of about 33 persons will leave London June 18.
Sent to Dept as 2071, repeated to Paris as 187.