377. Letter From Prime Minister Macmillan to President Eisenhower0
Dear Friend: I have now had a full report from the Minister of Defence about the discussions which he and Gates have had about Skybolt, and the general understanding they have reached.1 I am very glad to know that this has worked out so well. I think we ought now to embody their general understanding in a more precise agreement, including detailed arrangements for the development of this weapon. You know how important it is that it should be compatible with the requirements both of your Strategic Air Command and of our own Bomber Command. I am asking our Ambassador to take this up with your people as soon as possible and am sending out suitable experts to advise him.
As regards Polaris, as I told you at Camp David, I shall do my best about a suitable arrangement for the use of Scottish ports. You will realize that this is a pretty big decision for us to take. It will raise political difficulties for us in view of all the pressures and cross-currents of public opinion here. I must, therefore, put it to my Cabinet colleagues which I propose to do early next week when Parliament reassembles. I hope it will be possible for us to make a mutually satisfactory arrangement. I will send you a further message2 as soon as I have the authority of the Cabinet.
[Page 872]All best wishes for your visit to the Far East.3
With warm regards,
As ever,
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File. Top Secret. Transmitted to Eisenhower under cover of a note from Lord Hood, June 15.↩
- The text of agreed minutes of a meeting on June 6 between Gates and Watkinson was transmitted to U.S. officials in London in OASD/ISA telegram 978358, June 6. According to the telegram, Gates and Watkinson agreed on a program of cooperation in the construction of a Polaris submarine system which would facilitate implementation of the earlier proposal for a nuclear submarine base in Scotland. The telegram further stated that the two men affirmed U.S.–U.K. cooperation in the development of the Skybolt missile. (Department of State, G/PM Files: Lot 64 D 354) An agreement between the U.S. Department of the Air Force and the British Ministry of Aviation incorporating the understandings reached between the President and the Prime Minister and between the two Defense Ministers was signed September 27, 1960, by representatives of the two nations. (Eisenhower Library, Staff Secretary Records, International Series)↩
- In a June 24 letter to Eisenhower, Macmillan stated that the British Cabinet had accepted the plan to establish Polaris submarine facilities in Scotland. He further stated, however, “I am convinced that it would be a serious mistake, from your point of view as well as ours, to use the Clyde for this purpose. It is true that it has, readymade, some of the shore facilities and amenities you need; but its proximity to Glasgow is from every point of view a very serious disadvantage.” He suggested that a site on Loch Linnhe would be preferable. (Ibid.) [text not declassified]↩
- President Eisenhower visited the Far East June 12–26.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩