Department of State Atomic Energy Files

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War ( Patterson )1

top secret

My Dear Mr. Secretary: Mr. Attlee, the British Prime Minister, has informed the President that the United Kingdom desires to obtain from this country certain information relating to manufacturing and industrial aspects of atomic energy. This information would aid the British in the construction of a large scale atomic energy plant in the British Isles and the British contend that this country is under a commitment to supply it.

Without reference to the extent of any commitment this country may have in this field, or to our proposals for international control [Page 795] of atomic energy, I believe that a considered military opinion is required as to the effect on the security of the United States the location of such a plant in Britan may have.

I would appreciate a joint War and Navy Department opinion as to whether the location of a large scale atomic energy plant in the United Kingdom would be advantageous, disadvantageous, or of limited effect on the security of the United States. It would be helpful if I could receive this opinion prior to my departure for Moscow, the first week in March.2

I am sending a similar letter to the Secretary of the Navy.

Faithfully yours,

George C. Marshall
  1. Transmitted at the meeting of the Secretaries of State, War, and Navy, February 12 (811.002/1–247).
  2. For documentation on the 4th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, Moscow, March 10–April 24, see vol. ii, pp. 139 ff.