865.014/7–1348: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

top secret

2757. Dept concurs Wright’s suggestion US–UK talks merge into US-UK-French talks beginning either Jul 23 or 26 in London (London’s 3140).1 It may be necessary thereafter to talk to French in Paris also in which case Palmer would proceed France for conversations Emb and Fonoff. Re London’s 32061 would appreciate your attending meeting and you should in your discretion designate Utter and Jones or any other officers you wish to complete US team. We approve Wright’s suggestion that at least earlier stages of talks should be limited to representatives Fonoff and Dept. We understand that minutes will not be kept. We are not sending reps Military or other Govt Depts.

Deptel 21982 contains full summary legal arguments (London’s 3098)1 re lack necessity personal meeting Foreign Ministers. This is one of subjects Palmer will discuss in London with both Brit and French. Re Paris’ 36723 it should be reemphasized to Chauvel that as pointed out Deptel 2169 [2619] to London (2526 Paris)1 our objection to a CFM meeting on Italian Colonies is impossibility preventing Soviets from raising German question. If it subsequently became desirable hold CFM meeting on Germany and meeting were called for that purpose, we would have no objection to discussing Italian Colonies.

Marshall
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Dated June 11, p. 914.
  4. Not printed.
  5. Not printed; in it Caffery reported that Chauvel felt the U.S. legal arguments against the convening of the CFM were weak (865.014/7–1348).
  6. Not printed.