Office of the Historian

560.AL/3–1248: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State

secret   us urgent
London, March 12, 1948—noon.

1015. For Ambassador Douglas and Brown from Bliss. Embassy message last night crossed your instructions (Embtel 1011, March 11, 8 p. m.; Deptel 862, March 11, 6 p. m.).1 Development yesterday in Cabinet unexpected and contrary to assurances given me personally [Page 891] by Wilson reported Embtel 933.2 British agree with us that Article 23 negotiations must be conducted Habana and BOT memo intended chiefly as background to political problem which has arisen London and presented in Embtel 1011 as such. Both Bevin and Cripps involved here and we believe high level political decision necessary somewhat apart from Habana negotiations. [Bliss.]

Gallman
  1. The Department’s instruction in telegram 862 reads as follows: “If British should approach you to reopen agreement reported Embtels 890 and 933 you are instructed to advise them that negotiations this point are being conducted in Habana.” (560.AL/3–948)↩
  2. See footnote 3 in telegram 308 from Habana, March 11, p. 889.↩