Pages 49-50 from FCO 177-1357

The message is a summary of teleconversations between Dr. Davis (Under-Secretary, State) and the UK Minister regarding COCOM reform. The US proposes that a team consisting of Lowell and Hankin should come to London in the week beginning 27 September to work through the differences between the US and the UK. The UK Minister agrees that the meeting could be useful but emphasizes that the UK's acquiescence in the main features of the American initiative should not be a precondition. The UK wants the Russians to be involved from the beginning and not join a body that the COCOM membership has already agreed upon. They suggest aiming for an agreed brief from which the UK and the US can present a united position to the Russians. Dr. Davis acknowledges that a fully-fledged replacement mechanism within a month is ambitious and expresses the importance of reaching an agreed position with the UK before involving the French in further discussions. It is confirmed that the Americans do not want to proceed with the trilateral meeting next week. Lowell and Hankin will now make firm plans to go to London on 1 October.