Department of State Atomic Energy Files
The Acting Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Franks)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: The request that the Norwegians have made to the British Government which is the subject of two Aide-Mémoires from the British Embassy to the Department of State, dated August 20, 1948,1 and November 16, 1948,2 has been discussed with the National Defense Establishment and the Atomic Energy Commission. The consensus of view is that it would be unwise to come to any firm conclusion on the Norwegian matter as an isolated case. This Government feels that a general review must be made of its over-all atomic energy policy before it is in a position to express its view on the Norwegian request. Steps are being taken to make such a review within this Government, and pending its completion, the United States considers that a definite answer to the Norwegians would be premature.
Sincerely yours,