315/6–850: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
3231. Parrott, head UN Political Department Foreign Office indicated publication Lie’s 10 point memorandum had not altered British attitude that no reply required. He suggested that if US Government proposed to reply to Lie’s communication, British Government would appreciate being informed. In the event that view changed and replies considered desirable, Parrott urged close consultation so that there would be no divergence in them. In expressing this opinion, he made clear it was not indicative of any impending change in UK attitude, but merely suggestion to insure collaboration. He repeated British still consider reply unnecessary.1
[Here follows a brief account of reports in the British press on the Secretary-General’s memorandum and the Secretary of State’s statement on the subject.]
- In telegram 2843, July 13, to the Embassy in the United Kingdom the Department responded that “US does not intend make formal reply Lie’s memo this time” (315/6–850). When informed of the Department’s reply, Mr. Parrott repeated that if replies in substance were to be made to the Secretary-General that the Foreign Office hoped there would be opportunity for consultation (telegram 3510, June 21, from London, 315/6–2150). The Department promptly responded: “Assure Parrott we wld desire consultation.… This certainly wld be within spirit and probably even letter of London Conf discussion this subject and in any event we wld desire to consult UK on such important subject.” (Department telegram 3048, June 22, to London, 315/6–2150)↩