795.00/9–2850
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State (Battle)
confidential
[New
York,] September 28, 1950.
Subject: Alarmist Reports on Korea
| Participants: |
Foreign Minister Bevin |
|
Secretary Acheson |
|
Mr. Barclay |
|
Mr. Battle |
Mr. Bevin said that there had been some “alarmist reports about Korea.” He
said he hoped the United States would make some gesture to calm down the
Chinese Communists. The Secretary handed Mr. Bevin the letter on
compensation for bombing damage. A copy of this letter is attached.
Mr. Acheson told Mr. Bevin he would try to work out other things.
[Annex]
The Secretary of State to
the British Foreign Minister (Bevin)
secret
[New
York,] September 28, 1950.
My Dear Mr. Bevin: In accordance with the
conversation last night between Mr. Dening and Mr. Rusk about a possible
message from you to Prime Minister Nehru I wish to inform you that the
President has now approved of this action. I am therefore enclosing a
suggested draft message which you may wish to transmit to Mr. Nehru.
Obviously the actual language of this message is for you to determine in
so far as there is no alteration in the commitment of the United States
Government as contained in the enclosed draft.
It is our hope that a message along the lines suggested will be of real
help in the present situation. Your willingness to transmit such a
message is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
[Page 812]
[Enclosure]
Proposed Message From Mr. Bevin to Prime Minister Nehru
We have discussed with the Americans the question of the accidental
bombing of Chinese territory by United States planes. The Americans are
surprised that this should appear to be a major source of friction since
a procedure by which the matter could be handled was vetoed in the
Security Council by the Soviet Union. In any event, the Americans would
be the first to regret such unintentional damage and continue to be
agreeable to having the matter investigated and any damage assessed by
competent neutral judgment. Mr. Acheson has authorized me to inform you
that the Americans are quite willing to have a representative of India
and of Sweden look into the charges and assess any damage which it
should be found the Americans should pay. They do not insist upon United
Nations machinery and would accept an informal arrangement on the side.
I send you this information in the event you think it might help to
remove an unnecessary point of irritation.1
