890.00/7–2949: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—4:06 p. m.]
2999. 1. In reply to query re outcome interdepartment committee meeting on Far East problems (Embtel 2951, July 26), Dening, Foreign Office, stated little of concrete nature had eventuated but that memo on subject would probably be forwarded British Embassy, Washington, next week. This may indicate Foreign Office desires center discussions Washington.
Present atmosphere London unfavorable discussion Chinese problems as Bevin, Cripps6 and other Cabinet Ministers will be taking leave in August during which period, according to Dening, it will be practically impossible get decision on important matters.
2. British generally feel China primarily American problem and will expect US to take lead in negotiations. Little difficulty anticipated in getting British cooperation in questions raised by Secretary (Deptel 2516, July 20) with possible exception of trade with Communists. As Department is aware, British very reluctant restrict established British commercial interests in China and are obsessed with necessity of exporting wherever possible. British probably will not, except in limited degree, acquiesce in curtailing export to China of any but 1A list items and petroleum products.
[Page 55]3. Reference suggestion Nehru might assume leadership Asiatic bloc, Bevin told Ambassador in confidence last week Nehru increasingly concerned spread of Communist influence India and consequently could be counted upon to pay progressively less attention to foreign affairs and to devote himself increasingly to interior problems.
- Sir Stafford Cripps, British Chancellor of the Exchequer.↩