Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

740.00119 PW/12–1047: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

secret
us urgent

Washington, December 10, 1947—3 p.m.

TelMar 63. For Martin⁵⁷ from Barnett OE: Discussed with Plimsoll prospects for US-Australian proposals on Japanese reparation shares. It is hoped you can take steps to facilitate UK support.

December 4 meeting FEC Soviets stated US proposal unacceptable because Soviet minimum demand 12 percent. Chinese stated they could accept US proposal as “point of departure and basis of discussion”. FEC considered Chinese statement as rejection of our proposal.

Graves in BritEmb has advised FonOff to consider US-Australian proposals dead. Subsequent December 4 meeting, McCoy obtained from Amb Koo informal commitment that China will change position and will indicate clearly acceptance US schedule.

Suggest you and Drumright⁵⁸ see Dening⁵⁹ and explain Dept’s desire obtain 10–country approval and belief this possible if UK can support.⁶⁰ [Barnett.]

Lovett

57. Edwin M. Martin, Acting Chief of the Division of Occupied-Areas Economic Affairs.
58. Everett F. Drumright, First Secretary of Embassy in the United Kingdom (and appointed December 9 to the mission in Tokyo).
59. Maberly E. Dening, British Assistant Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
60. Mr. Drumright in a letter on December 12 and Secretary Marshall in telegram Martel 89, December 18, reported conversations with British Foreign Office members who promised to review the situation in the light of the discussion; however, the feeling was strong that British colonies in the Far East, Burma, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom should receive substantially equal amounts from Japan (740.00119 PW/12–1247 and/12–1847).