Telegram from Ambassador Pete Jarman to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State PF ACTION COPY TELEGRAPH BRANCH 16 D CONFIDENTIAL 10 Action Control: 5741 EUR Rec'd: April 12, 1951 FROM: Canberra 9:32 a.m. Info SS TO: Secretary of State 32607 G P NO: 283, April 12, 3 p.m. SAM JRS FE UNA PRIORITY OLI CIA Fol initial reactions to MacArthur dismissal: DCR Menzies caught offside because in speech tenth had praised MacArthur as man and General in partial reply labor speeches advocating get out Kor soonest. Emb authoritatively informed no (rpt no) intent approve MacArthur statements on extension war area but at same time no (rpt no) mention disapproval and wrong imputation cld now (rpt now) be made. After President's announcement, Menzies said whoever commands UN forces will have full support and cooperation Austral, MacArthur news came as shock, made no (rpt no) reply to questions about MacArthur's removal by President from position SCAP without consultation other powers. Spender trying avoid statement in view imminent departure for US. If must say something for domestic reasons, will be little as possible. Simultaneously with PRIMIN's speech and without coordination, Spender had issued tatement that Austral had not (rpt not) agreed to MacArthur suggestions (desp 374, Apr 11). Private and personal External Affairs view without consideration domestic polit factors in US is that this bold move cld be of first importance in building common polit front respect Korea and perhaps thereby getting closer to peaceful settlement. Chifley while disagreeing with MacArthur's reported plans for extension Korean war has great admiration for man and regrets dismissal. Evatt said disagreement over occupation North Kor was possible cause crisis, mentioned President's ref US policy and added "we shld know precisely what policy of US is. We do not know what policy of Austral Govt is, all we have is statement yesterday by PRIMIN praising Gen Mac- Arthur and Pres Truman dismisses him next day." Press so PERMANENT CONFIDENTIAL COPY This copy must be returned to DC/R central files with notation of action taken