Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI

493.009/6–2950: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

secret

London, June 29, 1950—5 p. m.

3721. Embassy today requested to Makins Deputy Under Secretary State that UK impose at once export controls China North Korea in accordance Deptel 3153, June 27 (repeated info Paris 3047, Brussels 849, Hague 664).¹ Embassy officer emphasized matter of utmost urgency and stressed importance UK action not be postponed until ministerial consideration of matter scheduled for next week (Embtel 3686, June 28, repeated Paris 1105, Brussels 160, Hague 150).¹ Makins stated that present ministerial policy against UK taking lead in matter this kind without assurance of parallel action by continental countries concerned. Embassy officer indicated full understanding that policy but pointed out that UK moved quickly individually in supporting US moves re North Korean aggression and that logical corollary UK action would be immediate imposition strategic trade controls as requested by US. Makins promised “to look into matter” immediately and to inform Embassy as soon as possible concerning British decision. If no action forthcoming soon Embassy will take matter to highest government level.

Foreign Office today confirmed that UK Government sent telegraphic instructions to Paris, Brussels and Hague in accordance reftel 3686.²

Sent Department 3721, repeated info Paris 1113, Brussels 164, Hague 153.

Douglas

1. Not printed.
1. Not printed.
2. The telegraphic instructions referred to authorized British representatives to make a coordinated approach to the French, Belgian, and Netherlands Governments on the question of imposition of export controls toward Communist China and North Korea (493.009/6–2850).