Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 2

110.15 RU/5–2151: Telegram

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

secret   priority

London, May 21, 1951—3 p. m.

6045. Embtel 6044, May 21.¹ Response urgent inquiry from Scott, FonOff, EmbOff has stated Emb without background or prior notification Secy Rusk’s speech at Waldorf May 18 and therefore in no position comment.

Scott volunteered he had been attempting lessen shock of speech by taking position it was likely reflection distorted situation now prevailing in Wash. Nevertheless, he was apprehensive regarding reaction govt here, and feared speech might hinder Brit support any proposals further action in AMC. He also concerned lest speech “put spanner in works” of Jap peace treaty negotiations. He had hoped prevent airing of any major differences on subject Formosa at least until after conclusion of treaty.

Emb wld appreciate receiving soonest any background info which wld serve as guidance in dealing with this question.²

Gifford

1. The reference telegram, not printed, summarized a “long and bitterly critical” article in the London Times concerning Rusk’s speech of May 18.
2. Telegram 5405 to London, May 22, 1951, read in part: “You shld emphasize speech contained no modification nor change in policy. It was slanted in part for use in psychological warfare within China which may in part explain distortion achieved by certain extracts lifted out of context” (110.15 RU/5–1151).