GENERAL

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-01617A006100050043-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 24, 2002
• Sequence Number: 43
• Publication Date: May 11, 1950
• Content Type: SUMMARY

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GENERAL
1. Acheson and Bevin discuss Western problems--During a
iscussi.on, of the world situation with Secretary of State
Acheson in London, British Foreign Secretary Bevin ex
.pressed considerable concern over the possibility that the
USSR might develop two big civil wars; one starting from
Eastern Germany and one in Southeast Asia. Bevin cited
the Greek civil war as an example of Soviet capability for
starting civil wars without participating in them. He agreed
with Acheson that Western military defenses and the asso-
ciation of the North Atlantic Treaty must be strengthened,
but commented that such a strengthening would require the
coordinated action of the Atlantic community and must be
based on economies that would carry the weight without
jeopardizing standards of living. Bevin stated that the UK
has a dual approach to the problem: (a) to organize Europe
as efficiently as possible; and (b) to stay under the umbrella
of the Atlantic "organism." He also emphasized that the
UK's economic and financial situation places limits on its
ability to build its defenses, Acheson stated that he recog-
nized that a broader economic base would be necessary to
increase the Western. defense effort and added that it was
clear to the US that its interest in Europe would not stop
with 1952, He expressed the hope that a definite program
for that period would be formulated by the end of 1950.
Concerning Southeast Asia, Bevin said-, (a) that
all of the area could be held if India and Pakistan settle
their differences and remain with the West; and (b) the UK
cannot contribute much economic assistance to the area.
In a lengthy discussion on China policy, Bevin stressed the
importance of preventing present US-UK differences from
developing into an open split which might prejudice coopera-
tion elsewhere. He expressed strong doubts about the pre
sent value of the UK position in. China, but said that it was
irreversible, and might in the end prove to be wise.
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Turning to the colonial question, Bevin expressed
his concern and hope that the US would review its position
in the light of the "progressive" evolution in British colo-
nial policy, He stated that the loss of colonial areas would
be. fatal to allied defenses, and it was agreed that the US and
UK positions should be further discussed in an effort to reach
agreement before trusteeship matters arise in the next UN
meeting,
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EUROPE
2. GREECE: Relations with Yugoslavia--US Embassy Athens
reports that during a recent conversation at the Greek For-
eign Office, the Yugoslav Charge d9Affairs suggested an
exchange of Ministers with the Greek Government and Greek
Premier Plastiras agreed. The Yugoslav Charge stated
that Yugoslavia has sent a representative to Geneva to dis-
cuss with the International Red Cross the question of the
Greek children in Yugoslavia. He also suggested resumption
of rail and other communications between Yugoslavia and
Greece.
(CIA Comment: CIA believes that the Yugoslav pro
posal to exchange representatives with Greece is another
step in Yugoslavia's efforts to strengthen its capability
for resisting Soviet pressure by rapprochement with its
neighbors.)
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FAR EAST
3. AUSTRALIA: Attitude toward New Guinea question -The
Australian Government has informed US Embassy Canberra
that it intends to deliver formally to the Indonesian Govern-
ment about 15 May a note expressing Australian concern
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over the future of Netherlands New Guinea. The note will
declare that-, (a) Australia does not-consider Indonesian
claims to Netherlands New Guinea: justified; and (b) it a
change in the status of Netherlands New Guinea is contem-
plated, Australia will press its own claims for the area,
on the grounds of security.
THE AMERICAS
4, HAITI: Military junta ousts President Estime--US Charge
Burns in Port-au-Prince reports that the situation is out-
wardly calm following the ouster of President Estime by a
military junta. The Embassy expresses the opinion that
this move resulted from the military's apprehension that
Estime might attempt to assume dictatorial powers prior
to the presidential elections scheduled for 1952.
(CIA Comment: CIA believes that although the
junta's seizure of power may be a setback for the use of
constitutional processes in effecting changes in Western
Hemisphere governments, other more immediate US se-
curity interests will not be materially affected.)
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