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WESTERN HEMISPHERE DEFENSE


it might be possible, perhaps in connection with similar action in the
United-Nations, to reach agreement upon the armed forces that each
American nation would maintain and hold available for hemisphere
defense.
   Such standardization as is practicable should be sought. Much prob-
 ably can be accomplished in the fields of communications and detec-
 tion equipment, etc. It does not seem necessary to give up the obvious
 mutual advantages of some standardization even though complete-
 standardization does not seem possible in the foreseeable future.
   The implementation of the Rio Treaty could develop gradually
 through the usual inter-American process of evolution, and through
 the procedure of consultation in specific cases, as provided by the
 terms of the Treaty itself.


 810.20 Defense/10-2649
 Memorandum by the Aetihng Assistant Secretary of State for Europearo
           Affairs (Thompson) to the Secretary of State

TOP SECRET                       [WASIINGTON,] November 10, 1949.
Subject: Defense of Greater Caribbean Area in Time of War.
Discussion&quot;
   The Secretary of Defense has informed the Department' that the
Joint Chiefs of Staff have considered a proposal made to them by the-
British Chiefs of Staff that the United States should undertake the
major responsibility for the defense of the greater Caribbean area in
time of war; that, on the outbreak of war an American should bel
appointed Allied Commander in Chief, Caribbean, and should be re-
sponsible for the defense of the British Caribbean colonies, whereas7
the United Kingdom should remain responsible for the internal secu-
rity of the colonies; likewise, that on the outbreak of war the Allied.
Commander in Chief, Atlantic Ocean, should be responsible for the,
defense of Bermuda and the Bahamas.
  The British likewise proposed that a meeting be held to coordinate-.
allied plans for the greater Caribbean area to be attended by the ap-
propriate United States authorities and the following British repre-
sentatives: Commander in Chief, America and West Indies Station,
and Commander, Caribbean Area.
  The Joint Chiefs of Staff agree with the British proposals and are'
of the opinion, with which the Secretary of Defense agrees, that ther

  In a letter (not printed) addressed to the Secretary of State on October
26,.
1949 (810.2- Defense/10-2649)..


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