FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950,0 VOLUME I


  5. I attach for your attention a memorandum by Mr. Frederick H.
Warren, Chief of the Export Control Branch of the Atomic Energy
eCommission, on the strategic aspects of East-West trade (See Tab A).4
Mr. Warren, through participation in inter-agency export control
committees, is conversant with policies land procedures in this field.
I find quite persuasive his conclusion that the selective approach to the
trade problem has been ineffective. However, I feel more direct action
than a rehash of the scanty factual data available is called for in the
present circumstances.
  6. I am aware of the reasoning that to invoke an embargo on trade
to the Enst would cause the Soviets to develop their own industrial
plant to the point of complete self-sufficiency and that this would be
undesirable. I think this is open to 'argument that: (a) the Soviets
can in any event be expected to be working in the direction of self-
sufficiency to the maximum extent of their present capabilities; and
(b) instead of furthering self-sufficiency, we might cause them to
be less self-sufficient for an important period of-time by forcing them
to divert important resources and manpower to construct new plant
facilities to produce the items formerly acquired from the West.
                                              R. GORDON ARNESON

  'Not printed.

Department of State Atomic Energy Files
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Under Secretary of State
                              (Webb)

TOP SECRET                                     PARIS, June 22,1950.
  DEAR MR. WEBB: I have carefully considered the questions raised
in your letter of May 23 1 regarding the advisability of approaching
the French Government to determine its attitude toward the develop-
ment and exportation of uranium ores discovered by American mining
concerns in French Morocco and French Equatorial Africa. In my
opinion, prospects for French assent to such a proposal are so highly
unfavorable that it would be unwise to make any approach at present.
Although most of the French officials concerned would probably be
willing personally to accommodate the United States, particularly in
view of the Atlantic Pact and the Military Assistance Program,
domestic political considerations virtually preclude official approval.
Owing to the climate of French public opinion with regard to atomic
weapons and atomic warfare, it would be political suicide for the
Government to propose before the National Assembly to supply
uranium to the United 'States from French territories.

  'Not printed.


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