501.BC Atomic/6–2147: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
3412. 1. In private talk with Makins, whom I consider completely forthright and dependable, I asked frankly whether chief concern of [Page 528] British was that under U.S. plan U.K. might be denied power plants. He replied with equal frankness that this was not the case. U.K. realizes that Soviets will in all probability not accept either our plan or U.K. approach. They feel, however, public opinion would support us more strongly if the plan turned down by the Soviets were made less rigid along lines of U.K. suggestions. I pointed out that U.S. public opinion would not support any watering down of U.S. position.
2. U.K. considers that ownership concept involves too great impairment of sovereignty. I replied that sovereignty would be affected under any system which included inspection.
3. Under U.K. concept of managerial control, plant manager would evidently take orders from both nation and agency. I stated that such an arrangement would be intolerable leading to endless confusion and irritations.
4. Makins admitted that their scheme of source materials allocation in no way solved problem of strategic balance. He agreed that basic principles would have to be written into treaty itself.
5. Makins stressed that U.K. has no approved alternate plan.
6. Next phase of discussion probably will be with Bevin, Portal and other Ministers directly concerned and will deal with questions of tactics and political considerations. I shall take Arneson with me. He has been invaluable and has gained confidence of all through his knowledge and conduct.
Dept please repeat to New York.