800.00 Summaries/11–2649: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices 1
Infotel. Re GA Libya res, Emb London sends long analysis problem of assuring continuance US and UK strategic facilities after Cyrenaica merges into united Libya, commenting rigidity res greatly complicates task assuring rights for period longer than two years. Emb considers three alternatives now open to Brit but thinks most practical alternative wld be UK estab friendly govt Tripolitania prior or fol negotiation treaty with Emir. Soonest thereafter UK wld permit Tripolitania declare its independence, wld recognize govt and negotiate treaty with it virtually identical with Cyrenaica treaty, except for possible provision to secure US strategic interests by arranging for lease certain strategic facilities to friendly third power. Emb then lists objections to above plan such as Bevin’s consistent opposition to expense and effect on UK relations with Ital and Fr; and likelihood Fr and Ital opposition. Emb believes objections cld be overcome by free and frank negots with each power separately and by assurance US financial aid to UK in Tripoli. Emb strongly recommends Dept give most serious consideration feasibility foregoing plan.
- Sent to diplomatic offices at Paris and Rome; to Istanbul for McGhee.↩