501.BC Atomic/8–2947: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Clark) to the Secretary of State
4694. In Ambassador’s absence we discussed atomic matter (Deptel 3728, August 27) with Makins temporarily in charge Foreign Office who supervises atomic questions there and headed UK group in recent US–UK informal talks on atomic matters in London. Makins made following comments:
- 1.
- Dept views (par 4–7) clarified situation since reports received by Foreign Office had not clearly set forth planned US course of action. UK did not plan to submit any amendments but did plan to submit some reservations including one on ownership (reflecting UK attitude in London conversations) and one on research (reversing UK attitude in London conversations).
- 2.
- Cadogan has extensive discretion to proceed under general directives based on decisions at Cabinet level here and Attlee’s personal feeling that while US–UK attitude much the same and cooperation essential “there could be no objections to UK making reservations on minor points about which there were strong feeling in Britain”. Foreign Office has just thoroughly briefed UK technical expert Thomson who left yesterday by air for US and would give Cadogan latest London views.
- 3.
- Makins intimated that frank talks with Cadogan and Thomson in US might be helpful. He stated Foreign Office was informing both Embassy at Washington and Cadogan of US attitude. He thought there was possibility much of difference in US-UK views could be ironed out with Cadogan and Embassy possibly on basis that reports from them might be influential in backing up our action here.
It was apparent from Makins’ statements that matter has been considered on Cabinet level in UK and that Cabinet does not like idea of [Page 619] agency ownership of any plants in UK and also objects to development of atomic weapons by any international agency. We left matter with Makins, informing him that Ambassador Douglas upon his return might desire to discuss question further.