Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, National Security Affairs; Foreign Economic Policy, Volume I

611.41/1–2651

The Secretary of State to the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Bevin)¹

top secret

[Washington, January 26, 1951.]

I have given careful consideration to your message which Sir Oliver Franks delivered to us on January 14 and arrangements were made for appropriate discussions with Slessor on strategic air and on the Far East. Also, as you know, General Bradley keeps in close touch with Lord Tedder and recently has had conversations with him about our strategic air plans. Furthermore, the British Military Mission in Washington is receiving full and complete briefings on the situation in the Far East.

It is my understanding, based on conversations between Franks and Jessup, that the discussions which have taken place meet the problem which you raised with me. I trust that when you receive full reports you will agree. I think that there is no reason why you or the Prime Minister should not now be in a position to make to Parliament the kind of statement you wish to make, which I understand is a reassurance that your chiefs are in close touch with ours with regard to air plans.

1. The source text is accompanied by the following note over Jessup’s typewritten signature:

   • “Dear Oliver: In accordance with our telephone conversation I am sending you the message from the Secretary to Mr. Bevin.”

   This note of transmittal to Ambassador Franks is dated January 26. Copies of the note and the message from Acheson to Bevin are also present in Lot File 53 D 470, a chronological collection of Jessup’s correspondence and memoranda.