Office of the Historian

795.00/11–2150: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

top secret
niact
Washington, November 21, 1950—8 p. m.

2673. In message to Franks from Bevin today1 it appears that Jebb may be instructed to present to UNSC UK proposals for demilitarized zone in Korea along lines Dept infotel Nov 17, 2 AM.2

There apparently was some misunderstanding on part Emb or FonOff as to our views. Problem of winding up present Korean operation is now receiving highest consideration US Govt. Question of some special security arrangement along frontier is one element in such consideration. We have at present no basis for agreement with UK as to nature of any demilitarized zone, method or timing of presentation or negotiation, or other important elements.

You are requested to see Bevin immediately and to urge upon him in the strongest terms our belief that it would be most harmful to have Jebb put forward the UK proposal in the immediate future. Our reasons are: First, that with the offensive about to start in Korea it would be most confusing to General MacArthur and his forces; second, that before the Chi have arrived in New York and with their attitude explored, such a proposal would constitute a commitment which will be regarded by them as a starting point for bargaining for something more; third, that the terms of the proposal will present grave military problems and danger which have not been adequately explored; fourth, until results of the forthcoming offensive are known, it is impossible to ascertain what course can and should safely be adopted. Dept is working with military on this whole matter and believes that situation will be gravely prejudiced by proposing Jebb action at this time.

Since we would be compelled to oppose such proposals if made, we hope that we can avoid a disclosure of divergence between US and UK [Page 1213] in this particular phase of military operations and just prior to arrival Chi Commies Del Lake Success.

Secretary has explained above to Franks and has asked latter to urge Bevin not to proceed with this proposal pending further US–UK consultations.3

Acheson
  1. Supra.↩
  2. See footnote 1 to telegram 1051 from Moscow received at 1:21 p. m. on November 19, p. 1191.↩

  3. The following message was received by the Department in telegram 3012, November 22, from London, which read in part as follows:

    “… FonOff has informed Embassy of telegraphic instruction just sent by Bevin to British Embassy Washington stating that responsive US representations UK agrees not to present proposal for demilitarized zone before arrival in Lake Success of Chinese delegation, it being understood that the 6–power resolution will not be voted on before then. Otherwise Bevin’s ideas expressed in proposal still stand.” (795.00/11–2250)

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