490B.1182/9–1951: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Burma

secret

352. Embdes 248 Sep 191 and 305 Oct 42 Dept has recommended to Munitions BD priority assistance for fol ammo: nine mm three million CMM seven point nine two mm nil (rept nil) CMM 38 cal 140,000 CMM 22 cal 341, 350. Although this recommendation does not assure procurement it is probable that materials will be made available thereby. As no official request has been recd for help in procuring other items no action has been taken regarding them.

In informing Barrington of quantities recommended Dept has pointed out shortage critical materials. Brit Emb being informed.

Dept agrees it wld be unwise enter into any arrangement with Brit under which we wld arrive at agreed position re Burm arms requirements. We shall however continue consult Brit when requests Recd from Burm.

Rptd AmEmbassy London 2041.

Acheson
  1. Not printed, but see footnote 2, supra.
  2. Not printed. It provided more information on discussions with the British Embassy concerning Burmese arms requests and reiterated Ambassador Key’s previous recommendation that such discussions should be continued without, however, any American commitment to achieve an agreed position with the United Kingdom on Burma’s needs for all types of arms and ammunition. (790B.56/10–451)