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ANNEX B
DRAFT REPLY BY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY TO THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE'S
MESSAGE OF 1ST MAY, 1951
I have given careful thought to the frank and friendly message you
conveyed to me through Mr. Gifford. We start, as you say, from the
common ground of desiring peace and security in the Pacific, the
earliest conclusion of the Korean conflict, and the limitation of the
fighting to that country. I share also your determination that the attack
in Korea must be repelled. We too have heavy responsibilities in the
Pacific and South East Asia area.
I agree that it is difficult to see how the campaign in Korea can
be ended short of a change in the aggressive purpose of the Communists.
Aggression must be opposed, and must be shown to be not worth while.
There can be no compromise on this. So long as the Chinese continue
their aggression in Korea they must be made to realise that they will
meet with steady and collective resistance and that the fighting will stop
only if they put an end to their aggression. It must be unmistakably shown
that the responsibility for any extension of hostilities is theirs. Meeting
aggression is the immediate problem in Korea, The long-term problem
is the future of the country, and I do not think we should seek to impose a
political settlement on North Korea by force if we can possibly solve the
problem by negotiation and agreement. I believe therefore that we must
lose no opportunity to reach a pacific settlement should the Chinese and
North Koreans show any willingness to negotiate, or if we can lead them
that way.
This brings me to the possibility of bombing Chinese bases in the
event of heavy air attacks on United Nations forces. I agree with you that
if such raids occur there will be no alternative but to meet this new threat
by the88439€§e military means at our disposal,& mê 1y Vy
Bombing
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329
the bases in China from which the attacks have been launched.
This