Office of the Historian

840.48/5549: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

London, June 10, 1942—9 p.m.
[Received June 10—6:40 p.m.]

3242. Last night the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign Office23a handed me an answer to my letter of May 11 enclosing “a memorandum summarizing the viewpoint of the United States Government with respect to the organization of post-war relief.” (Your No. 1995, May 7, 6 p.m.)

Your message No. 2610, June 9, noon, reached me this morning. I shall answer it after taking up the subject matter with the Foreign Office.

The text of the British reply follows:

“I thank you for your letter of the 11th May enclosing a memorandum summarizing the viewpoint of the United States Government with respect to the organization of post-war relief.

2.
His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom wholeheartedly welcomes in principle the proposals outlined in the memorandum. The Dominion Governments have been consulted and they too have expressed agreement.
The Government of India, while sharing the view of His Majesty’s Government, have added that they have a special interest in the welfare of Indians resident in the territories now occupied by the Japanese.
3.
His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom assume that the proposals of the United States Government are not to be regarded as a rigid plan, and that there is scope for adjustment and modifications in the organization as may be judged expedient.
4.
For example, the United States Government have suggested that the Inter-Allied Bureau in London should be maintained as an advisory body. It is felt here that it will be very desirable to give this body as much scope as possible. The United States Government have recognized that the susceptibilities of the Allied Governments need to be taken into account and the establishment of a branch of the relief organization in London would probably be welcome to these Governments. The Government of the Union of South Africa have also informed us that they are in favour of the establishment of such an organization. Moreover, it will probably be found essential, for practical reasons, to handle a considerable part of the executive work relating to European relief from London. For these reasons, it is suggested that a branch of the United Nations Bureau should be set up in London which would deal with the administration of European relief in conjunction with the Allied Committee, and subject to the general control of the Executive Committee in Washington.
5.
Meanwhile His Majesty’s Government in Canada have noted that in the preliminary draft of the proposed organization submitted by the United States Government no provision is made for Canadian [Page 113] representation on the Executive Committee which it is suggested should be set up. The Canadian Government have accordingly intimated to the United Kingdom Government that, in view of Canada’s position as a major supplier of the foodstuffs which will be required, they will probably find it necessary to raise the question of the form of Canadian participation before the proposed organization takes definite shape.
6.
We welcome the suggestion that Sir Frederick Leith-Ross might participate in the preliminary discussions to be held at Washington and His Majesty’s Government will be prepared to release him for the purpose as soon as may be convenient.” Signed Eden.

Winant
  1. Richard K. Law.↩