Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: Political and Economic Matters, Volume II

840.50 UNRRA/8–445: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

London, August 4, 1945—1 p.m.
[Received August 4—10 a.m.]

7860. For Moffat from Vincent and Dooman. Re Department’s 6486, August 3.³⁹

1. We had occasion last night to discuss informally with Sterndale Bennett⁴⁰ the draft resolution. He said that any reference to Thailand would be certain to create serious difficulties here. He thought it would probably injure prospects of obtaining final approval of a paper now being submitted to the Cabinet designed to bring about reconciliation of British and American positions with respect to Thailand.

2. There are in the present circumstances three alternative courses:

(a) Present resolution in form described in Gilpatric’s 7798, August 2.

(b) Present resolution in truncated form to cover only Korea and Formosa;

(c) Withdraw resolution.

3. We favor either alternative (b) or (c). If so decided, opportunity would be offered to discuss in favorable atmosphere basic policies and attitudes affecting Thailand and to reach agreement before the next session of the Far Eastern Committee.⁴¹

4. In any event, no useful purpose would be served by our continued stay here. We are leaving tomorrow. [Vincent and Dooman.]

Winant

39. Not printed; for substance, see footnote 38, p. 1002.
40. John C. Sterndale Bennett, Head of the Far Eastern Department, British Foreign Office.
41. In its telegram 6533, August 4, 1945, 2 p.m., to London, the Department indicated that it favored Alternative (b) (840.50 UNRRA/8–445).