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

840.00/3–249: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

top secret

Washington, March 4, 1949—8 p. m.

us urgent

niact

736. For Douglas and Harriman. Embtel 748, Mar 2.¹ In connection possible MAP discussions with Dutch it must be made clear to Dutch that US, in view of its obligations under the UN Charter, may find it necessary to refuse to furnish military equipment assistance to Neth prior to Indo settlement consistent with position of SC.² Furthermore, at time of presentation of MAP legislation to Congress, Congress would itself probably require such a settlement as condition precedent to granting of assistance to Neth.

Baruch and Harriman should proceed with preliminary discussions of MAP subject to above. In view of fact this question was not raised in Douglas-Harriman discussion with Bevin, Douglas may wish to speak with Bevin on this point before discussion with Stikker. You are authorized to inform other Western Union countries of our attitude on this point.

Acheson

1. Not printed.
2. For documentation on Security Council action regarding Dutch relations with Indonesia, see vol. vii, pp. 119 ff.