693.419/8–449: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 5—4:57 a. m.]
3061. The Minister52 today presented aide-mémoire to Hector McNeil,53 FonOff, along lines indicated in Deptel 2678, July 29. Further [Page 869] discussions will be held between Embassy representative and Berthoud, assistant under secretary, FonOff.
McNeil informed Minister British response US proposals had been reviewed and approved by cabinet sub-committee so that although British would be agreeable review situation any alteration would have to be considered at ministerial level. He indicated UK had decided stay in Hong Kong and that therefore it would have to be free to act if necessary in such way as not invite attack by Chinese Communists and again stressed that extension control 1A items to cover transshipment Hong Kong and Singapore would depend on similar action being taken by Belgians, French and Dutch. In reply query he was informed that US had not approached these countries re initiating such action. Does Department plan approach these countries in near future?
Results further discussions with British will be reported as soon as they are held.