-4- #3278, March 29, 9 p.m., from London
 
 
as "a proposal for consideration of the Committee".  Soviet Government
understands Crimea Conference decision in respect to Germany's
dismemberment not as an obligatory plan for dismemberment but as a
possibility for exercising pressure on Germany with an aim of rendering
Germany harmless in case other means should prove inadequate.  END OF
PARAPHRASE.  Gousev's reply has been sent to me informally, and i
assume that Mr. Eden will now acknowledge Gousev's letter and will
formally communicate to me copies of Gousev's letter and of his own
reply.
 
 
The Soviet statement of March 26 represents a notable success for the
concept that the Committee on Dismemberment is intended to consider not
merely the question of "procedure" for effecting dismemberment but
also, and in the first instance, the substantive question of the
desirability and feasibility of dismemberment.  Thus far there is no
indication of a fixed Soviet view on dismemberment.  Gousev's letter
makes it plain that at this stage his government is not committed in
principle to a policy of dismemberment.
 
 
I appreciate the indication recieved from the Department that it sees
no objection to enlarging the membership of the committee