861.248/161a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
5426. The following is a paraphrase of a letter dated November 24 from the Secretary of War. Begin paraphrase:
[Here follows paraphrase of letter printed supra.]
Please advise the British Government immediately of the foregoing, emphasize the urgency of the project and the necessity of proceeding with the preliminary steps at the earliest possible moment. You should urge the British to indicate their agreement in principle to this project without delay, and to approach the Governments of Iran, Iraq and India, and to undertake, with the approval and assistance of those Governments, to furnish the requisite facilities. I may add that this Government considers it essential for practical reasons of [Page 480] efficiency that this project be undertaken as a purely American operation.
Please telegraph the British decision at the earliest possible moment in order that the necessary preparations may go forward here.