261. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State 1

4720. Joint Embassy–USIS message. Bermuda Conference. Psychological objective to be achieved from Bermuda Conference of President and Prime Minister will be of major importance. Favorable impact on British public opinion is essential to restore confidence in Anglo-American alliance among not only right-wing but large number of middle-of-the-road thinkers. While right-wing continues to voice anti-American sentiments there still large number middle-of-the-roaders worried about alliance. Left-wing Labor opinion (Bevan, New Statesman, etc.) which of course chronically suspicious and critical of US long before Suez, remains little changed. Bevan’s first published reaction to Eisenhower Doctrine2 was charge that US imperialism seeking to replace British imperialism Middle East.

[Page 698]

Significant opinion factor since Suez is that anti-American attitudes now extended to influential and vocal segment of Tory and middle-road groups, many of whom formerly America’s best friends. While public opinion surveys have shown anti-Americanism per se not so widespread or deep as press and other public and private expressions this group might indicate, same surveys have confirmed point that strong criticism of American foreign policy no longer confined to left, but now extends across political spectrum. In fact, surveys show Tories and Liberals on balance more critical of US foreign policy than Laborites.

Gallup poll conducted Feb 20–24 for Time–Life and given us today on confidential basis asked “Which word comes closest to describing your feelings about America at present time?” Respondents were shown card with following words, most (all but five percent) named only one word as describing feelings. Answers in percentages were friendliness 18, disappointment 26, suspicion 18, resentment 8, admiration 6, trust 4, dont know 15. Note that disappointment, suspicion, resentment add up to 52 percent.

On same poll, to question “What would you say was main reason for America behaving way she did over Suez,” answers in percentages were: wanted position in Middle East 25, wanted maintain peace 21, fear of Russia 16, supporting United Nations 13, for Nasser and against Britain 2, don’t know 24.

(Caution: above poll copyrighted and not for release prior Life publication. Despatch follows.)3

Latent anti-Americanism which boiled over during Suez crisis has simmered down, but it can and will be factor in our relations for some time to come. Although Govt has successfully toned down newspaper comment except for Daily Telegraph and Sketch, private conversations still indicate widespread misgivings. British generally continue to think of themselves as great nation and world power, as emphasized by Macmillan in public statements, and only a few have realized from Suez debacle extent to which Britain dependent on US policy support. At same time there is extreme sensitivity to every US action, a sensitivity what will not diminish until British people convinced their own govt being fully consulted and is full partner in decisions.

Seems imperative to us that Bermuda must provide a clear indication to British people that President and US Govt are not aloof or indifferent to British alliance and British worldwide interests. We must aim to create an intense feeling of mutual trust and friendliness. To this end every effort must be made to demonstrate the close, friendly and intimate nature of discussions between the President and Macmillan. Pictures showing them talking, eating, relaxing, and press reports [Page 699] showing intimate nature of the talks, will have a powerful impact here. The more we can create the atmosphere around these talks of personal, intimate friendship, the better for us.

At same time, to back up this intimate relationship, we will need concrete evidence of full consultation on policy decisions taken at Bermuda. Our greatest need of course is to show progress toward a Middle East solution, primarily satisfactory regime for Suez Canal. US action in UN has been grudgingly accepted but final evaluation here will depend on whether or not Canal is quickly opened and nature of arrangements worked out re its operation, interim and long-term. Would be exceedingly useful if forthright statement on US recognition of constructive aspects of Britain’s colonial policy could be made along lines being taken by Vice President in Ghana celebrations. There is a rather bitter feeling here that we completely ignore what Britain has done and do not appreciate that she is no longer the old-time colonial power but instead has made rapid progress in giving freedom to her former colonies. The break-up of the colonial empire is attributed to this forthright British policy, for which many blame US pressure while the balance criticize US for not recognizing the progress which has been made.

Any communiqué that can show Anglo-American agreement on Middle East policy will be effective in meeting the criticism here that the oil companies dominate our policy and were instrumental in driving Britain out of the Middle East for their benefit.

It is also important to have a reaffirmation from the President of our concern for the economic and military strength of Britain as well as of Western Europe, and our intention to play a continuing role in Europe.

As reported Embtel 42574 British plans envisage full background briefing of both American and British correspondents in Bermuda to get British viewpoints across. Assume that we are likewise developing plans to see that American viewpoint fully put across to both American and British press, so that we can expect to accomplish our psychological objectives at conference. In view of disappointment expressed by so much of press after last Bermuda Conference5 about paucity of news and briefings, strongly recommend every consideration be give to daily backgrounders for selected American and British correspondents.

Whitney
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.41/3–757. Secret.
  2. Reference is to various economic and military aid measures to help Middle Eastern countries resist Communist aggression, which were outlined in the President’s message to Congress, January 5; for text, see Department of State Bulletin, January 21, 1957, pp. 83–87. Documentation on the Eisenhower Doctrine and its implementation is printed in volume XII.
  3. Not found in Department of State files.
  4. Dated February 12. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.41/2–1257)
  5. For documentation on the Bermuda Conference of the Heads of Government of the United States, United Kingdom, and France, December 4–8, 1953, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. V, Part 2, pp. 1710 ff.