Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT(Naval Aide/124 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON E.O. 6, 1982 November 27, 1950 State Dept. DEB NLT, Date -18-85 I By. SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS KOREA Our Embassy in London reports that in dis- - cussing the Secretary's message on the sub. - ject of a possible British proposal in the UN for a demilitarized zone in Korea, British Foreign Secretary Bevin gave the definite impression that at least for the time being, he will not take precipitate action re - garding Korea. Bevin said that there had apparently been some mis - understanding regarding his attitude and he had "no desire to upset the applecart" and that British UN delegate Sir Gladwyn Jebb was under specific instructions to take no action regarding such a resolution in the absence of a definite authorization from London. UNITED KINGDOM Our Embassy has reported that there is in- creasing evidence of growing concern in the UK regarding the conduct by the government of foreign and defense policy. These misgivings do not arise from doubts regarding the fundamental policy objectives but rather the Government's short- comings in their attainment. The feelings cut across party lines and are manifested throughout the country as well as in the Parliament. In the Embassy's opinion the principal causes of this concern are: a) a genuine apprehension shared by virtually all within the British community that the world may be drifting toward another war and a fear on the part of some that rearmament leads to conflict; b) the feeling that every reasonable avenue should be carefully explored in order to avoid war, particularly since many think that the time has come when tension can be eased without appeasement because the west is in a position of increasing strength; c) concern as to the economic repercussions of rearmament; d) desire to end dependence on the US as soon as possible and to obtain an equal voice in the determination of Anglo-US policy; e) misgivings as to the consequences of the US elections, results of which are viewed as foreshadowing greater support for General MacArthur's views. These misgivings arise because some elements lack confidence in his political judgment and are concerned about political decisions which MacArthur may make based on military neces- - sity. There is a strong desire to head him off and obtain some kind of TOPSECR