740.0011 European War 1939/34403: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Bucknell) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 29—12:40 p.m.]
4312. This refers to Embassy’s 4148, May 23, 5 p.m. to the Department and the Department’s 4129, May 24, midnight.48 I have received the following communication from Mr. Eden:
“You will remember that following Mr. Winant’s letters to me of the 8th May, 12th May and 13th May, regarding possible measures for the preservation of Rome, you came to see me on this subject a few days ago.
As I explained, we felt it necessary to consult the British Chiefs-of-Staff, who in their turn wished to obtain the views of General Wilson. I think I cannot do better than to send you a copy of General Wilson’s telegram to the Chiefs-of-Staff. You will see that he is opposed to any step which would limit our freedom of action once we reach Rome, and that he recommends the issue of a joint statement on behalf of our two Governments, the intention of which would be to make our position clear in the matter and to place on the Germans the responsibility for any damage which may occur to Rome.
His Majesty’s Government, having given full weight to the political as well as the military issues involved, find themselves in agreement with General Wilson’s conclusions, and they would propose, therefore, if the United States Government concur, the issue of a public statement by both our Governments on the lines of the enclosed draft, which is a slightly different version to that proposed by General Wilson.
Our idea is that General Wilson would be best able to judge in the light of military developments and prospects the right moment for the issue of this statement.
Perhaps you will be good enough to inform the United States Government of our views and let me know whether they concur in the issue of a public statement, and if so, whether they have any observations to make on the wording.”
The text of the proposed Anglo-American statement will follow in my immediately following telegram.
- Neither printed.↩