123. Letter From the Secretary of Defense (Wilson) to the Secretary of State1
Dear Mr. Secretary: I note with concern the recent U.K. actions on multilateral controls on trade with Communist China, the flagrant use of exceptions procedures, by public announcement, and by contact with other governments which, in effect, is undercutting the United States in the field of trade controls and is seriously [Page 372] weakening the United States’ position in the Far East. I should further like to point out in connection with this matter, the need for action prior to the June 26 meeting.2 Should we fail to take action, it is not unlikely that Congressional reaction might well jeopardize our whole aid program.
Another matter of concern to me is the current U.K. plans and proposals with respect to their defense commitments to NATO. The point in connection with this matter is the unilateral manner in which these proposals are being considered.
My particular concern is more with the manner in which these actions are being carried out without close coordination and cooperation with us. These actions seem to indicate a decision on the part of the U.K. to pull away from a close alliance with us in these important and far-reaching matters. I feel that strong representation should be made and that they should be informed that we may be forced to make a critical reappraisal of the whole structure of our relations.
Those of us in the Department of Defense who understand these facts feel that either the above actions should be taken or the facts of the British decision on trade controls should be given to the Congress before they complete action on the aid bill.
Sincerely yours,