800.0146/12–744
The Secretary of State
to the British Ambassador (Halifax)
secret
[Washington,] December 7,
1944.
Dear Lord Halifax: Michael
Wright will tell you of our talk yesterday. I am sure
you know that it is a source of deep personal regret to me that any
differences between our two countries should have arisen during my
first few days in office. I am sending you a
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copy of a personal private message which I
sent Anthony last night in reply to his message to me. It expresses
my concern and I have endeavored to stress therein the importance I
attach to maintaining the closest and most friendly personal
relationship.
I am sure you know how much I value your friendship; as long as we
can talk things out freely and frankly with each other at all times,
there can be no serious differences between us.
With assurances of my respect and esteem,
Sincerely yours,
[Attachment]
The Secretary of
State to the British Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs (Eden)
[Washington, December 6,
1944.]
“Your personal message was read to me this afternoon and I wish
to let you know without delay that it is a source of deep regret
to me that so soon after taking office a difference should have
arisen between us. I have always worked so closely with you and
my British friends, both as Lend-Lease Administrator before
coming into the State Department and more particularly since I
have been here. We must keep up the close and intimate
association which has always been so helpful in getting over
even points of difficult discussion in dealing with our
respective countries’ interests. I count upon, as one of my
greatest supports in the tasks ahead, your close friendship. I
know, and you must feel, that anything which we put up to each
other for cooperative working out can be solved to the entire
satisfaction of both our responsibilities. Let us resolve that
we will see that everything of any importance comes right up to
the two of us for approval.
If the reaffirmation of our policy with regard to Italy has
caused you embarrassment I am truly sorry. The feeling is such
in this country, however, and the inquiries from all quarters so
pressing, following your public statement in the House of
Commons, that we had no other choice than to make clear our
position. I am sure that had there been prior consultation we
could have worked the matter out together as we have done in the
past and, I feel sure, we will be able to do in the future.
Michael Wright has
told me of the debate on Greece which has been set for Friday
and which you anticipate will cause the Prime Minister and you
some embarrassment. We are working up a friendly statement to be
given out tomorrow which I sincerely hope will be helpful.”1
