840.00/2–248
The Under Secretary of State (Lovett) to the British Ambassador (Inverchapel)
Dear Archie: Following your conversation with me of January 27 and the receipt of your letter of the same date confirming the oral communication made at that time on instructions from Mr. Bevin, I have discussed the problem with the Secretary of State. I give you the substance of his views as follows:
Mr. Bevin’s memorandum of January 13 referred to a western democratic system with the backing of the United States and of the Dominions. As General Marshall stated in his letter of January 20, the United States warmly welcomed Mr. Bevin’s initiative looking toward the formation of a Western Union. At that time it was not clear whether the direct participation of the United States in the security treaty arrangements was envisaged. Your letter of January 27 indicates that Mr. Bevin now wishes the British Government to consider jointly with this Government a suggestion that the United States might enter with Great Britain into a general commitment to go to war with an aggressor, thereby reinforcing the defense proposals envisaged for Western Europe.
As I explained to you, and as Mr. Bevin will fully appreciate, the question of any agreement, informal or otherwise, involving the use of armed force is one necessitating the most careful consideration on the part of this Government. Certain procedures within the Executive branches, as well as with the appropriate Congressional Committees, are necessary. It is apparent that there is insufficient time for such consideration and preparations between now and February 19, the date on which the tripartite discussions on Germany are scheduled to begin in London.
Moreover, the Secretary of State feels that European initiative is of first importance. Therefore, the injection of the United States into the matter, before agreement under the proposal of Mr. Bevin has been developed abroad, would be unwise and would certainly be subjected to serious challenge here as premature on our part. When there [Page 18] is evidence of unity with a firm determination to effect an arrangement under which the various European countries are prepared to act in concert to defend themselves, the United States will carefully consider the part it might appropriately play in support of such a Western European Union, established presumably in harmony with the charter of the United Nations. I note that Mr. Bevin states that “the British Government are not yet in a position to give firm assurances as to the role Britain intends to play in operations on the continent of Europe”.
I shall be glad to communicate with you later concerning the possibility of conversations with further reference to this matter when we have had more time to study the proposals and their implications.
Very sincerely yours,