740.5/2–2252: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Department of State
priority
Secto 40. For Webb from Acheson. Fol FonMin session morning Feb 21 (Secto 341) at which question of restricting movements of Sov natls was raised, Deps pursued discussion at mtg that afternoon. Deps restated natl position outlined by Mins previously. All Deps agreed matter should be dealt with through concerted action of NAT govts all of which, with exception of Norway, Iceland, Portugal, and probably Denmark are disposed take restrictive measures at an early date. They could not however make necessary arrangements by end of this month and, while appreciating US position, urged that US postpone action at least until March 10 in order permit necessary decision be taken by other NATO Govts. All Deps expressed hope that agrmt could be reached shortly on measures to be taken and stressed importance of acting jointly even though US Govt may not be able agree to further postponement.
In view of response of NATO Govts to this proposal and fact that there seems excellent prospect of concerted action by most NATO Govts by March 10, I believe it would be wise to agree to delay presentation of note.2
Furthermore since US public was already aware of our intention to propose concerted action in NATO, isolated action by US now might be misinterpreted as failure of our efforts vis-à-vis other NATO powers.
Please let me know tomorrow.
- Dated Feb. 21, p. 120.↩
- In telegram Secto 70, Feb. 24, from Lisbon, Acheson reported that assurances of concurrent action on the note in question had been received from all NATO countries except Norway, Denmark, Portugal, and Iceland. For reasons of the utility of a display of political solidarity by the NATO countries, Acheson urged that delivery of the note be delayed until Mar. 10. (740.5/2–2452)↩