CAB129-45 — Page 440

Page 440 will involve serious risks of an extension of the war, perhaps even into

a global conflict; but the consequences will have to be faced and shared

by all of us.

In these circumstances His Majesty's Government have decided

that in the event of heavy (repeat heavy) air attacks from bases in China

on United Nations forces in Korea, they will associate themselves with

the policy of retaliatory action against these bases in order to prevent

further attacks and to minimise casualties to United Nations forces in

Korea,

aduat

This is a decision in principle. The consequences (which may

f authorisentaliatory action be general war) are so grave that the decision (so far as our participation

no share usponsibility for it)

(if

W

is concerned) must be subject to confirmation by us at the time. We have

full confidence in the President and the Administration, and are sure that

the decision would (as you say) be taken "soberly and wisely". It is

however not a question of confidence, but of responsibility for a major act

of policy, and we cannot divest ourselves of it.

May I at the same time put to you the suggestion that, just as on

our side the decision will be subject to confirmation at the time by the

Prime Minister, the existing authorisation by the President should on your

side be confirmed by him?

It is important that no military risks should be incurred through

delay, and to avoid these we have made arrangements whereby we can make

our decision at very short notice. To enable us to do so it is essential

that the fullest factual information should be supplied to us regarding the

scale and nature of the attacks upon United Nations forces immediately

they take place. Can you arrange for this to be done through the British

Joint Services Mission in Washington or by any other means which will

ensure that we have at our disposal the necessary data on which to confirm

our preagent 40 cifs57 in principle? Meanwhile it wollig440sefuЯ have

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the evidence which makes you expect such attacks,

Our advisers, on the