740.5/2–2252
Memorandum by the Acting Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs (Barbour) to the Acting Secretary of State
Subject:
- Regulation of Soviet Nationals
Burke Elbrick telephoned from Lisbon at 11 a.m. Washington time, February 23, with reference to Sectos 341 and 402 of February 21 and [Page 291] 22 concerning the regulation of the movements of Soviet nationals. He stated that the Netherlands Deputy has called a Deputies’ meeting at 7 p.m. on February 23 to consider the matter further, and asked what could be said as to the US position in response to Secto 40 at that meeting.
I said that it is my understanding that the President is on the Williamsburg and in any event the interested Congressional officials are not available today so that it is impossible to give any definite response before Monday. I added that in view of the Secretary’s recommendation I assume it will be possible to arrange the requested postponement but could not assure him positively at this time. I noted that the present postponement is in effect already until February 28.
I remarked that the New York Times story to the effect that this matter has been discussed in Lisbon will not make it any easier to effect this further postponement and with reference to the third paragraph of Secto 40, which he said was based on information from the Departmental officers at Lisbon, I pointed out that it is not correct. There have been public rumors here but we have never confirmed that the matter was other than under consideration.
Finally I emphasized the necessity of avoiding any commitment not only that this further postponement could be effective but also that we would not take separate action in the event agreement on concerted action is not reached by March 10 which seems to me likely. In this connection I noted that the Secretary had been careful to avoid any such commitment.