Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, Council of Foreign Ministers; Germany and Austria, Volume II

740.00119 Council/11–1947: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

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Washington, November 19, 1947—7 p.m.

4908. Personal for Murphy from Reber. Delsec 1493, Nov 19.⁶⁷ Hickerson and greater part Delegation sailed from New York Monday. Prior to their departure decision taken by Secretary that no discussion re action by three western occupation powers in event CFM fail reach agreement will be undertaken until sometime after CFM meeting terminates. Secretary felt discussion this subject prior to CFM meeting might provide Soviets propaganda theme that western powers not prepared to work for quadripartite agreement and because of psychological effects such thinking might have on USDel. Secretary had in mind more formal discussions with Brit and French might be undertaken after Christmas holidays in event no CFM agreement reached.

Foregoing position was conveyed to Sir William Strang, Gen Brownjohn and Mr. Allen by Hickerson on Nov 4⁶⁸ when question CFM agenda was discussed. At that time he also expressed hope that there nevertheless would be effective liaison between the three delegations during the conference. On Nov 7 same view was given to Counselor French Emb, who expressed agreement. Secretary likewise implied the same to French Ambassador on Nov 18.⁶⁹

In view of foregoing we feel tri-partite conversations at this time premature since owing to complexity of subject no real progress can be made in one or even two meetings and a series thereof would undoubtedly become known. In these circumstances we believe it would be preferable for you not to attend. Please make it plain to your French and Brit colleagues however the reasons why we think it premature to have this exchange of views now. We will of course be interested in any info you receive re conversations between Brit and French.

Lovett

67. In telegram 6108, Delsec 1493, November 19, from London, not printed, Murphy reported that British and French officials had been holding conversations in London on the proposed agenda for the Council of Foreign Ministers session and on the future merger of the American-British-French zones of occupation of Germany and had invited him to attend a meeting on November 20 (740.00119 Council/11–1947).
68. See memorandum of conversation by Beam, November 4, p. 697.
69. See memorandum of conversation, supra.