841.2368/9–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
4892. For Marshall from Douglas. 1. I had a long conversation with Bevin this afternoon1 regarding matter of British troops in Greece. In my efforts to convince him of the unfortunate effect which the withdrawal of these troops would have not only in Greece and the rest of the Near East, but also in Europe and elsewhere, I repeated the arguments which I had advanced in previous conversations and laid particular stress on the new arguments contained in Deptel 3883, September 8.
2. (a) I also explained that US relies heavily on US–UK cooperation in the Middle East, that without qualification US desires conclusion of satisfactory arrangements between Britain and Egypt and that you are in complete accord with Bevin’s suggestion for review by US–UK of the whole position in the Middle East for purpose of reaching an understanding on a common policy, (b) I stated your view of the way in which the discussion should proceed, (c) Bevin seemed gratified.
3. (a) I expressed your emphatic hope that no steps be taken for the withdrawal of troops from Greece pending the talks referred to in (2) above, (b) Bevin replied that while two questions were not related and although troops could not be retained indefinitely he would submit [Page 335] considerations represented by US to the Prime Minister and the Defence Committee and would do his best to keep the troops beyond date fixed. He could not make commitment until after matter had been discussed with Defence Committee and said that they probably could not be held later than end of year.
4. Bevin said that he did not wish to attend the General Assembly and that his name had been placed on the list of delegates only in order to enable him to appear before the Assembly in case some unexpected development should make it advisable for him to do so. He might have an opportunity however to discuss Middle East with you should an occasion arise for him to go to Washington to discuss certain aspects of the Paris conference report.