811.203/380: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
447. Your 270, January 12. Fourth paragraph of Department’s 182, January 7, may be omitted from note to Foreign Office.
Department has no funds from which to pay noncombat claims of third parties arising out of acts in United States of personnel of armed forces of United Kingdom or out of operations of United Kingdom armed forces and their equipment. War and Navy Departments informally advise that they have no funds for such purpose. It would therefore probably require authorization of Congress for payment of such claims. You will appreciate that it would not be desirable to request such legislation at this time. Unless you perceive some [Page 132] serious reason to the contrary, Department suggests that your note omitting paragraph 4, referred to above, be sent to the Foreign Office and that it be explained informally that for the reasons indicated it seems unlikely that this Government will be able to pay claims arising out of acts of service personnel of the United Kingdom in the United States.