Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

22 NLT(Maval Aide) 125 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON DECLASSIFIED State E.O. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 12065, Sec. 3-402 November 28, 1950 Depl. DEB NLT, Date By SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS WESTERN EUROPE Our Deputy on the North Atlantic Council has discussed with the UK Prime Minister and UK Field Marshal Slim the subject of German participation in western European defense during which the UK officials stressed the great importance the UK military authorities attached to the prompt appointment of a Supreme Commander and agreed that some compromise formula must be reached on German participation which would avert a French cabinet crisis. Our Deputy stated the US view that the French should be permitted to take the initiative in organizing European institutions within the North Atlantic treaty framework. The Prime Minister agreed, stating his belief that the US and the UK should not stand in the way of this development and that such institutions need not be inconsistent with the North Atlantic Treaty concept. Our Deputy received the impression from this discussion that: 1) the Prime Minister was not advocating any of the various proposals which had been advanced by British officials in informal discussions in London; and 2) while he did not commit himself to the US formula, he did not reactagainst it and, in fact, appeared to feel that it was practicable. UNITED KINGDOM The British Ambassador has showed the Depart- ment, in the strictest confidence, a copy of a message from Foreign Minister Bevin noting that British public opinion is growing restive and the House of Commons is concerned over the possibility that General MacArthur might commit UN forces in Korea, of which UK troops are a part, to large scale hostilities with the Chinese Communists. Bevin therefore asked the UK Ambassador to explain to the Secretary the importance of his being able to assure the House of Commons that: 1) MacArthur's objectives are no more and no less than those of the UN; 2) proper consultation is taking place on instructions to MacArthur; and 3) MacArthur through the US is in fact as well as name the agent of the UN. Bevin asked UK Ambassador to press the US to agree to consult confidentially, at least with member states of the Security Council who are providing forces for Korea, on any contemplated action going beyond MacArthur's mandate and to agree not to issue instructions to MacArthur to proceed with such action unless those states themselves express agreement. The Secretary's FQPSECRET