795.00/11–1750
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Message From Mr. Bevin to Sir Oliver Franks Dated 17th November, 1950
chinese intervention
I regard Mr. Acheson’s response as encouraging. In the circumstances I now agree that we should allow the present joint resolution to stand but consider that we should use the opportunity which the debate will offer to interpret the relevant passages in the resolution on [Page 1173] the lines of the suggestions for a demilitarised area outlined in my earlier telegram.
2. What I have in mind is that at a suitable opportunity during the debate Jebb should give a broad outline of these suggestions which he might present as a supplementary interpretation of the resolution and within its spirit. I hope that Mr. Acheson will be prepared to instruct the American representative on the Council to support such a line.
3. The Chiefs of Staff believe that in the meantime the offensive should be held up and are pressing for this through their own channels. I endorse their view. Nevertheless if the Americans feel that it is too late to call a halt now, I would still consider it essential to secure the demilitarisation of the area by the eventual withdrawal from it of United Nations and other Foreign Forces.
4. I am fully conscious that a solution still remains to be found for the other points raised in your telegram. These are being studied and I hope that if the Americans agree to the general lines of our suggestion we can sort these out together.
5. Please see Mr. Acheson again and put these points to him.
Washington, [undated.]