(UNTITLED)

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0002018077
• Release Decision: IPPUB U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: June 23, 2015
• Document Release Date: March 11, 2010
• Case Number: F-2009-01320
• Publication Date: December 16, 1950

48096 TOP S
(b)(3)
1471
"GENERAL
1. Bevin suggest s possible British evacuation from Egypt--
US Embassy London reports that although no formal pro-
gress has been made in current Anglo-Egyptian negoti-
ations concerning the presence of British forces in the Suez
area, Foreign Secretary Bevin has tentatively and informally
suggested, without Cabinet clearance, the possibility of a
solution which would involve locating a British striking
force outside Egypt (probably in Libya) and an "orderly
and progressive turnover of functions" to the Egyptians
in the Canal Zone.
2. ITALY- People fatalistic concerning general war--A high
official of the Italian Ministry of Interior has told US Am-
bassador Dunn that there are no overt signs of panic or
deep anxiety in Italy over the menace of a general European
conflict as a consequence of the recent turn of events in
Korea. The Italian official said that the Italian people as
a whole are somewhat fatalistic over the possibility of
Italy's involvement in a general war and that in any event
there is no alternative for them but to count primarily
upon US strength in gaining an eventual victory. Concerning
signs of Communist attempts to foster military defeatism
in. Italy, he indicated that the Communists were achieving
little success with such efforts within the armed forces.
The official also told Dunn that Communist leader Tog-
liatti's health has greatly improved and it is possible, though
not certain, he may be able to continue as secretary general
of the Party.
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TOP SECRyET
 ,,ET
3. YUGOSLAVIA. No recent increase in Satellite strength--
According to the US Air Attache in Belgrade, a Yugoslav
military liaison officer has declared there is no reason to
believe that the Balkan Satellites have received any recent
appreciable increase in military assistance from the USSR.
The Yugoslav officer said that present Satellite strength
would not support the thesis that the Satellites intend mili-
tary aggression in the near future.
4. GERMANY. Adenauer proposes reply to Grotewohl letter--
Chancellor Adenauer has informed the US High Commission
in Germany that he believes it necessary, because of the
success of the accompanying Communist propaganda cam-
paign, to take relatively seriously the letter sent him by.
Grotewohl, head of the Soviet-dominated German Democratic
Republic, proposing the election of an all-German constitu-
ent council. Adenauer indicated he intends to reply to Grote-
wohl with an aide-memoire and an oral statement by an
emissary; he plans to delay his reply until German opinion.
has "settled down" somewhat. In. response to a question as
to what he would do if Grotewohl promised to meet Adenauer's
conditions concerning freedom of elections, in return for
Adenauer's undertaking not to do anything meanwhile to line
up the Federal Republic with the West.either by alliance or
armaments, Adenauer declared that if it were a question
of choosing between immediate unity under Soviet influence
or foregoing. unity and remaining free bin the Federal area,"
he would expect the large majority of West Germans to answer
that "they would rather be free even though the unity of
Germany would not be restored immediately."
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NEAR EAST-AFRICA
5o INDIA- Patel's death a great shock--US Embassy New
Delhi reports that the death of Deputy Premier Patel
has come as a great shock and there is much speculation
as to how this event will affect future Indian policies in
both internal and foreign affairs. Some Patel followers
reportedly feel that without the steadying influence of
Patel's personality India will follow an erratic and unpre-
dictable course, while others express the hope that his
death will sober Nehru.. The Embassy says it is too early
to make predictions but a number of changes throughout
the government structure can be expected. Whether Patel's
demise will result in a split of the Congress Party is not
clear to the Embassy, but danger of such a split exists
because Patel adherents may adopt a strong attitude instead
of quietly handing their power over to the Nehru minority.
FAR EAST
6. INDOCHINA: French general maintains Tonkin can be held--
French Commanding General Carpentier, who is due shortly
,to leave Indochina, has declared to US Minister Heath that
he is more than ever of the opinion that with the expected
early arrival of reinforcements and materiel, French forces
will be able at least to hold existing positions in Vietnam,
unless Chinese troops join the Viet Minh, in which case it
would be 66another story." Carpentier added concerning
the creation of a Vietnamese national army that the French
had reached essential agreement with the Vietnam Govern-
ment except on one point, on which the French could not give
way. Bao Dai's insistence that they at once advance funds
to cover the initial expense of building the Vietnamese army.