Editorial Note
During the Eastern European Chiefs of Mission Conference in Paris, January 30–February 2, general agreement was reached concerning recommendations relating to the subject of East-West trade. These recommendations were summarized in telegram 4559 from Paris, February 2, which reads in part:
- “Present East-West trade export controls should continue under
constant study to achieve maximum benefit to West. Following
specific measures are recommended:
- a.
- continuing consideration should be given to East-West trade agreements and their negotiation.
- b.
- cooperation of countries outside consultative group with regard to export strategic materials should be obtained.
- c.
- leakage of strategic materials to East should be prevented by adequate controls and enforcement.” (120.4351/2–251)
The Western European Ambassadors Conference at Frankfurt, February 5–7, also devoted an agenda item to the subject of East-West trade. John J. McCloy, United States High Commissioner for Germany, outlined the problem during the fifth and last meeting of the conference on February 7; and, while most of his talk concerned West German trade with the Soviet bloc, he did point out that the initiative in moving toward any severance of economic relations between East and West probably lay with Moscow rather than with the Western allies. The Ambassadors agreed to recommend the development of alternative sources of supply and new markets for Western European industry at an accelerated rate. Documentation concerning the Ambassadors Conference in Frankfurt is presented in volume IV; documentation concerning the Chiefs of Mission Conference in Paris is included in the compilation on general problems and policies in relations with Eastern Europe, ibid.