320/1–2251: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
4043. Embtel 4042.1 British press reaction to US proposals on China now before UN would appear to reflect feeling British public and [Page 118] officials on this question. British concern centers on these substantive points.
- 1.
- Real fear UN will break itself in attempting measures beyond its strength to enforce. Until clearer idea of what measures are contemplated British naturally think in terms of diplomatic, economic or political action short of war. They sincerely believe that such measures have slight hope of bringing Chinese Communists to terms and would therefore not uphold authority of UN. Furthermore, they regard them as “limited warfare” which they greatly fear would unavoidably lead to full-scale conflict.
- 2.
- Real fear of possible cleavage among Western Powers as result of UN actions put through without full cooperation of all nations with stake in FE. To British a UN resolution passed without leading nations of Western Europe and Commonwealth does not appear to have wide enough range of support.
- 3.
- Deep conviction that avoidance of hopeless war with China does not represent “appeasement,” “realism” given fact Communists control all China and primary importance of Europe to Western defense. Since British believe strong UN action might possibly lead to such a war with China, their inclination is to hold back on any UN action until all factors in situation given full consideration.
British overriding preoccupation is with dangers of major conflagration as result UN attempts to curb Chinese Communists and their criticism of US is based to considerable degree on belief US course of action underestimates UN’s limitations.
Above analysis is confirmed by cabinet’s attitude at meeting this morning on British position re US resolution. Although there was general agreement that UK should support condemnation Chinese Communists there was not agreement on additional steps. Bevin was to telephone Jebb to avoid taking position January 22 if possible, although it was realized he might be obliged to speak. Cabinet will again consider matter tomorrow morning and instruct Jebb for tomorrow’s meeting.
Sent Department 4043, repeated information Paris 1335; USUN 62; Department pass USUN New York.
- Not printed.↩