Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 1

No. 421

741.022/1–2551: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State

secret

London, January 25, 1951—3 p.m.

4108. Re Deptel 3508.¹ In view reluctance British officials to refer to disagreements among Commonwealth Prime Ministers except in most general terms attitude each Commonwealth country cannot always be pinpointed except in cases where such attitude supports British point of view. On FE–UN issues Embassy analysis Prime Ministers’ attitude is:

1. All Commonwealth Prime Ministers supported attempt to revise principles cease-fire committee along lines Embtel 3864² and to present common front in UN on this case.

2. Condemnation of CPG and imposition of sanctions discussed with reference to US note of January 4³ but consensus of Prime Ministers was that attempt must be made to work out principles of cease-fire committee along lines finally decided before questions of condemnatory resolution and sanctions could even be considered. Conference terminated before CPG rejection revised cease-fire principles.

3. In development this united Commonwealth policy on revision of cease-fire principles lead taken by UK–India–Canada with Australia most consistent defender US point of view but all Commonwealth Ministers in accord necessity taking some such steps as attempt at revised cease-fire principles in view grave concern of all at prospect major war in FE.

On development of Commonwealth policy on other major questions only positive steps would appear to be agreement on necessity peace settlements with Germany and Japan. On specific questions relating to these settlements no attempt made to formulate common policy, notably in case of Japan towards which individual Commonwealth countries have pronounced views.

Paragraphs 4 and 5 of Deptel in accord with Embassy assessment. Little additional information of value has been elicited on points raised in paragraph 6 Deptel. To date Embassy has no information question West Europe vs. China area as free world primary security interest case in for much discussion in view Prime Ministers preoccupation with attempt to formulate common Commonwealth policy on China-Korea arising from over-riding desire of all, particularly Nehru, avoid conflagration in FE.

Air priority despatch leaves Embassy January 26.⁴

Gifford

1. Telegram 3508 requested a summary report and analysis of the Commonwealth Conference of Prime Ministers held January 4–13 at London. (741.022/1–1651)
2. For text of this telegram, reporting various changes in the principles for a ceasefire committee for Korea, see vol. vii, Part 1, p. 65.
3. Presumably a reference to the U.S. position transmitted in circular telegram 334, January 3; ibid., p. 7.
4. For the despatch under reference, transmitted on January 29, see Document 425.