Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

460.509/11–3050: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

secret

Paris, November 30, 1950—2 p. m.

3069. Excon. Following is result November 29 CG meeting:

1. Transit trade and free ports (CoCom Document 180, item 7). CoCom directed consider not only transit trade but whole system international Excon controls with view making them really effective and eliminating loopholes.

2. Trade agreements (CoCom Document 180, item 8).

In addition agreement in document 150 (that countries supply relevant information concerning their trade commitments with Soviet bloc) it was agreed that PC’s should exchange maximum information concerning trade negotiations with Soviet bloc countries; that PC’s speedily pass to CoCom information on results bilateral trade negotiations with Soviet bloc and any other information obtained during course such negotiations which might enable CoCom assess demand from Soviet bloc for particular items. Method arriving effect this matter left to each PC.

3. Black lists (CoCom document 180 item 7a).

Referred to CoCom for study along with general question of controls (see paragraph 1 above).

4. Sweden and Switzerland. Document 176¹ approved with proviso governments keep CoCom informed of any unilateral Excon discussions with these countries.

5. Participation other countries in CG/CoCom.

Referred to CoCom for study (which should include trade of other countries with Soviet bloc, and their transit trade) and recommendation advisability having such countries participate in Paris organization.

6. London tripartite proposals. Prior December 25 if possible PC’s will indicate to CG chairman their general views on acceptance. CG will reconvene early January to consider governmental replies with the object that only specific items not acceptable to PC’s will be referred CoCom for specific considerations. Only discussion this subject was on procedure, except Italian delegate who stated he anticipated no objection his government’s acceptance. Netherlands questioned whether they would be ready express opinion position by December 25 and Belgians predicated their expressed preliminary views on receipt of French translations not completed.

7. Merchant ships and other watercraft referred CoCom for further consideration.

8. Secrecy.

Present agreement re secrecy CoCom continued and no delegates to make statements to press re Paris organization.

9. CoCom delegates.

Suggested that all delegations [garble] permanent CoCom delegations.²

10. CoCom secretariat.

CG subcommittee formed to consider secretariat needs when necessary CoCom action resulting from London tripartite agreement³ can be assessed.

11. Economic impact. Where any PC’s can show economic impact from Excon controls CoCom authorized discuss question alternative sources items received from Soviet bloc and alternative markets commodities exported to Soviet bloc. Denmark reserved position this point.

Will airpouch official document on meeting when drafting completed and approved by all delegations.

Bruce

1. In the document under reference here, not printed, the Coordinating Committee proposed that following the Consultative Group meeting, Group Chairman Alphand or his deputy ask the Swedish and Swiss authorities to begin informal discussions regarding their offer to cooperate with the Coordinating Committee (see footnote 4, p. 211).
2. Telegram 3351, December 12, from Paris, not printed, reported that the Netherlands had not complied with this recommendation to provide a permanent CoCom representative and continued to miss scheduled CoCom meetings. (460.509/12–2150)
3. See TRI/31 (Final), November 20, p. 234.