795.00/12–851: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
2857. Reurtel 2664, Dec 8. Last part final par draft statement (Deptel 2807 Dec 5) is essential element. Scott’s suggestion not sufficiently unequivocal as a threat of retaliation without geographic limitation to have strong deterrent effect we desire. In our view is essential that any statement make unmistakably clear new situation that wld exist if following armistice Commies renewed attack in Korea particularly as long as UN forces remain there. Believe our draft accomplishes this purpose while not committing us to any specific course of military action. As our draft based on premise Commie China is principal threat to renewal of attack and as Commie China has been only non-Korean country overtly engaged in aggression last para in draft is directed primarily at Commie China as well as NK.
It wld appear difficult for USSR allege final para our draft as applicable to it unless prepared to admit intent overtly attack UN forces in Korea.
Foregoing for ur background in any preliminary discussion with Eden if UK comments along lines indicated by Scott. FYI unanimous view in all quarters here that statement such as proposed by US would be major factor in deterring renewal Commie aggression in Korea.