Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Western Europe, Volume III

740.5/8–1850: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices ¹

priority

Washington, August 18, 1950—1 p. m.

Brit Emb Aug 14 gave Dept copy FonOff instr to Brit WU Ambs² which may be sumarized as follows: Brit Amb is to inform PrimMin of country to which accredited that:

1. In view ever-present possibility Korean situation may be exploited by Sov in diversionary actions gravely affecting Western Eur as well as Far East, UK feels Brussels Powers must act concertedly to remedy manpower deficiencies.

2. Brit is prepared to “improve” regular forces and extend conscription term to two years when Parliament reconvenes Sept 12 and feels occasion provided for new demonstration WU solidarity if other govts take similar decisions. It wld be regrettable if Brit had two year conscription period while continental term remained 12 months.

3. Once decisions of principle reached, defense minister shld meet to discuss manpower problem solutions in greater detail.

Text of instr follows by agam.

Acheson

1. Sent to Paris, Brussels, The Hague, Luxembourg, Rome, London, and HICOM, Frankfort.
2. Copy attached to a letter dated August 14 from B. A. B. Burrows, Counselor of British Embassy, to James C. Bonbright, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs; not printed (740.5/8–1450).