January 5, 1951
S/S
After Cabinet today Mr. Acheson said that Secretary Sawyer discussed with him the question of French export of steel rails to Communist China. Mr. Acheson said he expressed some doubt about this to Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Sawyer told him that Ambassador Bruce had confirmed that this was a fact. Mr. Sawyer had wanted to stop the export of rails from this country to France, but on checking had learned that the United States does not send any such rails to France. He then thought it possible to stop the shipment of some other commodity to France in an effort to force them to discontinue the sale of rails to China.
Mr. Acheson spoke to Messrs. Merchant, Bonbright, Barnet and Wright about this and was told of the Department's steps thus far to correct this situation. A copy of the telegram reporting Mr. Bruce's conversation with Mr. Schuman was left with the Secretary. He tried to call Mr. Sawyer to give him this much of the report today, but he has thus far not reached him.
He promised a report to Secretary Sawyer on this matter not later than Monday.
L.D.B.
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