Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Western Europe, Volume IV

840.20/1–2449: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State

top secret

London, January 24, 1949—6 p. m.

286. In compliance Department’s 233,¹ saw Bevin today and communicated substance reftel and Deptel 224 January 19.² He said that he would have to consult cabinet but gave me the impression that he reluctantly agreed to Italy’s initial inclusion Atlantic Pact. Jebb³ was present and in conversation with him following interview he stated that if we and French insist Italy, British will not hold out. Both Bevin and Jebb seemed concerned that inclusion Italy would drain available equipment from continental powers. Jebb inquired whether Italy could be warned not to expect important allocations at least for some time. I replied that I could not answer this question but that I felt sure our position would be that equipment should be allocated where strategically most needed.

Sent Department 286, repeated Paris 56, The Hague 11, Brussels 14, Rome 12.

Holmes

1. Printed as telegram No. 61 to Brussels, January 21, p. 41.
2. Printed as telegram No. 57 to Brussels, January 19, p. 40.
3. Sir H. M. Gladwyn Jebb, British Assistant Under-Secretary of State and U.K. Representative on Brussels Treaty Permanent Commission with personal rank of Ambassador.