Personal Message from Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden to Secretary of Dean Acheson and Personal Message from Prime Minister Winston Churchill to President Harry S. Truman

79-a SEGRET Personal Message to Mr. Acheson from Mr. Eden dated 10th March 1952. You will have seen the Prime Minister's message to The President explaining the economic circumstances in which we find ourselves and making the suggestion that the United States should take over some of our United Kingdom contracts for the production of the most valuable N I.A.T.O. weapons (Venoms, Canberres and the like). I mentioned to you in Lisbon how seriously concerned I was over our economic problems. The measures which we are now forced to undertake in connexion with the Budget show our firm determination to put our affairs in order. I know you understand how essential it is for us if we are to play our full part in Western defence to have a sound economy and I am sending you this message to enlist your sympathetic support for the proposa) which the Prime Minister is now making. I realise that it will raise a good many difficulties especially for Bob Lovett and Averell. But I am convinced that something on these lines is necessary and to our mutual interest. I am sure we can rely on you and your colleagues to do your utmost to help. DECLASSIFIED STATE DEXT. LETTER 5.5.13 Project NIT f2.4 NC NARS. note 6-1-13 By NLT- British Embassy, Washington, D.C. 11th March 1952.