795B.5/5–2951: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
top secret
London, May 29,
1951—noon.
6263. At Fon Off yesterday, Emb Off shown text of proposed armistice terms supplied Brit Emb Wash on May 26 by Rusk.1 General reaction appears favorable subject following comments:
- a.
- Armistice terms appear to be only thinly disguised ultimatum to Chi Commies and would be difficult for them to accept.
- b.
- UK wld prefer Armistice Comite be empowered itself enforce armistice terms rather than peace comite to be designated by Armistice Comite. Existence two overlapping bodies wld appear to be unnecessary and somewhat cumbersome.
- c.
- UK wld prefer prior issuance of Allied declaration of aims to be followed almost immediately by declaration by Pres Truman as Commander UN Armed Forces in Korea that he agrees substantially with declaration of aims. Only after lapse of reasonable period (perhaps a few days) in order give CPG opportunity reply to declaration of aims shld armistice terms be announced.
- d.
- Fon Off believes no need for haste. There is thought Chi Commies, frustrated over inability win decisive victory in Korea and exacerbated over Korea and exacerbated over failure obtain adequate support from USSR, is probably coming to realization its alliance with Moscow is not necessarily profitable and, therefore, we shld give this trend time to mature.
Fon Off drafting msg to Dept along above lines.2
Gifford