Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

693.419/8–549: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas)

Washington, August 11, 1949—7 p. m.

2863. Brit Emb presented Aide-Mémoire Aug 1⁵⁶ representing response FonOff US proposals re joint control strategic exports to China. Text Aide-Mémoire identical Embtel 2956, July 26, with exception addition one sentence at end Para A, as fols: “They (HMG) would also like to see Korean and Philippine Govts agreeing to institute similar controls.”

Brit Min states Dening probably will accompany Bevin and Cripps⁵⁷ to Washington early Sep with view discussion Far Eastern policy. Dept inclined continue pressure through Emb London along lines Deptel 2678, July 29, followed by démarche Bevin and Dening here. Dept desires continue frontal attack on Brit position and believes that to join Brit at this time in combined approach to continental govts on limited basis proposed wld weaken our bargaining position.

If queried further re US approach continental govts (Embtel 3061, Aug 4), suggest you state Dept in agreement Berthoud’s point 3 Embtel 3092, Aug 5.

Dept acknowledging⁵⁸ Aide-Mémoire, stating merely that consideration is being given Brit response and that discussions meanwhile are being continued London.

Request Embs comments.

Acheson

56. Not printed.
57. Sir Stafford Cripps, British Chancellor of the Exchequer.
58. August 12, not printed.