Department of State Atomic Energy Files
The Acting Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Franks)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: On November 30 Mr. Henderson informed Mr. Arneson verbally that London considers—notwithstanding the view I expressed to you by note of November 22, 1948—it is obliged to inform the Norwegians in the next few days of its willingness to undertake the purification of from ten to twenty tons of uranium oxide in the Springfields plant. He explained that London proposes to tell the Norwegians, however, that it can make no commitment as to when the schedule at Springfields will permit actual commencement of the work. At Mr. Arneson’s request Mr. Henderson has confirmed this information by note of December 2.1
It is the considered view of the American members of the CPC that the action proposed by London should not be taken. It is felt that such action is not within the spirit of the modus vivendi of January 7 which provides among other things that “in the interest of mutual security, classified information in the field of atomic energy will not be disclosed to other governments or authorities or persons in other countries without due prior consultation.” While the formalities of the foregoing have been fulfilled by the notification given, it is considered that the U.K. Government should not proceed without the concurrence of the United States Government.
We cannot give that concurrence now. While it is regretted that considerable delay has been involved in this matter and while it is hoped that a general review of policy in this field may be expedited, this Government reaffirms its opinion that favorable action on the [Page 791] Norwegian request at this time by the United Kingdom Government would be premature.
Sincerely yours,
- Supra.↩