Department of State Atomic Energy Files
President Truman to the British Prime Minister (Attlee)
I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your message of December 17 concerning cooperation in the field of atomic energy between our two countries. Unhappily the exchange of communications between us earlier in the year revealed a considerable difference in understanding as to the purpose and meaning of the memorandum of November 16, 1945. The complexity of the problem has been increased by the legislation recently enacted by the Congress.
I am giving your messages the most careful consideration with my advisers including the newly created U. S. Atomic Energy Commission and hope in the near future to reply to you on the substance of these messages.
May I take this opportunity to send you my warmest greetings and best wishes for the coming year.93
- In telegram 3036, transmitted from London to the White House via United States military channels, Prime Minister Attlee replied as follows: “Many thanks for your letter of 28 December about atomic energy. I note that you will be sending a further reply. Thank you for your good wishes, which, I warmly reciprocate.” (Department of State Atomic Energy Files)↩