Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western European Integration and Security, Canada, Volume VII, Part 1

128. Telegram From the Mission at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Regional Organizations to the Department of State⁰

Paris, December 7, 1960, 6 p.m.

Cedto 310. Ref: Cedto 300.¹ Sec-Gen Kristensen, with Cittadini Cesi and Klonne of OEEC Secretariat present, met on Dec 6 with AFL-CIO Pres. Meany, accompanied by Brown and Rose² and USRO reps. AFL–CIO reps again indicated preference for high level trade union consultative arrangements for OECD; also stated leaders of certain European unions during recent contacts have agreed on this approach; the American trade unionists indicated that occasional joint mtgs with an equivalent management consultative group could be arranged, if desired. Brown stated free unions of OECD countries expect to form committee themselves and then seek accreditation as labor consultative body along lines reported reftel.

Following Meany’s expression interest in OECD’s aid role for developing countries, Kristensen noted problem that these “low wage” countries also want opportunity to help selves through exports to advanced countries and this question will undoubtedly arise. After some general comments on problems re low wage exports, trade unionists agreed on need to examine trade requirements less developed countries, but had no specific comments on what should be done.

AFL-CIO group also conveyed views on order letter Meany to Dillon Oct 26³ that they favored creation OECD labor and manpower division, including trade union specialists, to be concerned with social questions. Kristensen indicated some problems would arise in recruiting on this basis, and in any case it was still too early to make definite staffing plans. Further, he indicated there were specialized personnel in OEEC on social and manpower questions and some accommodation this sphere of concern expected in new organization. Along lines letter, cited above, AFL-CIO group also favored consultation trade unions in less developed countries on possible OECD aid activities and suggested inclusion in OECD of technical assistance for trade unions in the developing countries. Kristensen noted matter relationships with nonmember countries not resolved but he thought technical assistance for trade unions could be considered in new organization.

In answer Meany’s question regarding expected time schedule of new organization, Kristensen stated this depended on ratification by countries, particularly US; thus he did not expect OECD established until fall. Meany observed that US Congress likely to move slowly, but AFL–CIO would do best to speed favorable action.

Burgess

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 374.800/12–760. Official Use Only. Sent to the OEEC capitals and Geneva.
1. Dated December 5, Cedto 300 reported on the favorable attitude of AFL-CIO leaders to the program for the OECD. (ibid., 374.800/12–560)
2. Alex Rose, President of the Hat Makers Union, and Irving Brown, European Representative of the AFL-CIO.
3. In this letter, Meany announced his support for the OECD concept, encouraged participation in the OECD by the developing nations and pressed for a major advisory role for organized labor. (Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 64 D 559, CF 1794)