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 declaration which the British and other allies make would not vary substantially from the U.S. declaration. Sir Robert Scott indicated that the British prefer a multilateral declaration to include at least Australia, New Zealand, and possibly India and other nations having an interest in the area. The British do not exclude the possibility of a multilateral declaration including Communist participation. The British were informed that it would be impossible for the United States to participate in a multilateral declaration which includes Communist China.

Several documents have been exchanged by the U.S. and U.K. delegations. At a meeting on 10 July a U.S. draft treaty was submitted to the British for their consideration. British comments are expected at a meeting on 13 July. Following receipt of the British comments, it is planned that the draft treaty will be submitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for consideration. If the views of the U.S. and U.K. on a draft treaty can be resolved, the Department of State plans to establish a working group consisting of the U.S., U.K., and other countries which are likely to participate to in a collective security organization, with a view to developing an agreed draft of a treaty. I shall keep you informed of further developments in this matter.

cc: The Joint Chiefs of Staff

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