795.00/11–2850: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
niact
[Received November 28—1:11 p. m.]
3117. Personal for Secretary. Bevin called me to Foreign Office this afternoon. He said he had just read MacArthur’s communiqué and in view of his anticipated difficulties in Parliament tomorrow and his desire to say nothing that would upset apple cart he wanted me to ask you personally for an “appreciation of the situation” which would assist him in tomorrow’s debate. He would be grateful for this appreciation as urgently as possible hoping it might arrive before he retires tonight or at the latest first thing in the morning.
Bevin’s mood was friendly and understanding but he anticipates he will face questions tomorrow along line of “is MacArthur getting us into full-scale war with China” and naturally wants as much ammunition as possible to use in reply.
Would appreciate immediate niact reply to be followed by any later information which can be received here before 3:30 local time tomorrow afternoon when Bevin scheduled to speak.