460.509/11–2551: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Bonsai) to the Acting Secretary of State
secret
niact
niact
Paris, November 25,
1951— 2 p. m.
3129. For Dept distribution only. Excon. From Linder. Ke Deptel 3126 Nov 22 rptd Rome 2372.1
A. Discussions with Harriman, Dupre2 and Tannenwald3 have produced fol conclusions on reftel questions:
- 1.
- Gen publication of primary List (Title I second category) to be confined to non-tech summary (illustrative suggestions follow by separate cable) and to be deferred to Dec 18 to permit advance notification to other govts. Publication of full text regarded unnecessary and harmful without compensating advantages. Text to remain classified Secret and single copy to be transmitted as such to Cong Comite Chairman, available to other Comite members and in Chairman’s discretion [Page 1219] to other interested Congressmen. Further consideration should be given as to whether all govts be supplied full text or whether some be supplied only appropriate parts of text plus summary, depending on extent their interest in particular commodities, and taking transit possibilities into account. COCOM PCs would receive full text. Such partial notification to some govts considered permissible under statute, but Johnson is to discuss point with Battle.
- 2.
- Belief that proposed Title II List should be expanded include balance of International List II. Proposed determination on short list, therefore, not signed, Harriman expects Dept carry burden of presenting case for expanded list to other agencies soonest in hope obtaining their agreement. In discussions here, point considered most significant was that short list would prejudice current List II negots in COCOM and would also fail to reflect to Congress recent and imminent successful conclusions on many items. It was felt contents of short list would become known to other PCs, would raise questions as to its significance, and would play down importance of unincluded List II items even though US has for long time sought tightened controls for List II and is currently negotiating such controls.
- 3.
- Recognition of importance of matter of COCOM exception recommendations and expression of desire to give them fullest possible weight, recognizing, however, that admin cannot be bound by such recommendations.
B. Lengthy message with Harriman views to above effect being cabled Johnson with request copy be supplied Lecldy.
C. Pls supply copy this message to Johnson. Sent Dept 3129; rptd info Rome 241. [Linder.]
Bonsal