865.014/2–1947: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
1041. Urtels 857 Feb 7, 1131 Feb 19, 1370 Feb 28, and 1434 Mar 4.1 During informal conversation on Feb 15, British Embassy official was informed that Dept inclined to accept London as most suitable place for meetings of Deputies on Italian Colonial question. On further study, however, we thought Geneva might have following advantages: (1) neutral location would obviate criticism which might otherwise result from consideration this question in capital of occupying power; (2) Geneva is centrally located and on direct air route Cairo; and (3) if French or Soviets should object to London, Geneva would appear acceptable compromise.
On Feb 28, British Embassy informed us it had received instructions to transmit note to this Govt suggesting Deputies meeting take place London. Emb also stated FonOff had sent similar instructions Brit Embs Paris and Moscow. We requested Emb ask FonOff to withhold [Page 572] delivery of notes to three powers until we had opportunity to give matter further consideration in view possibility Dept might prefer Geneva.
On Mar 4, we called Brit Emb official into Dept. After acquainting him with our reasons for preferring Geneva as set forth above, we informed him that we would not oppose London as meeting place if British have strong objection to Geneva.
We also discussed following related questions:
- (1)
- As soon as Brit have obtained agreement all four interested powers regarding headquarters Deputies, Dept will immediately take step designate Deputy and Commissioner and hopes other powders will do likewise. Dept considers first meeting Deputies should take place earliest convenient date thereafter in order formulate terms of reference for Commission of Investigation.
- (2)
- Dept agrees with British viewpoint regarding advantages one Commission over two or more. It also agrees with desirability restricting size and duration Commission, but doubts that latter’s work can be accomplished in less than six or eight months. In view comparatively short time which would remain for Deputies to agree on recommendation and for Foreign Ministers to arrive at final decision, Dept feels Deputies should be prepared to meet at stated times while Commission is in field. This procedure would give Deputies more time to hear views of other interested states, receive and consider reports of Commission as completed for each territory and discuss other factors entering into final recommendation.
- (3)
- Dept is also anxious ascertain what informal approaches, if any, British have made to French and Soviets regarding meeting place of Deputies and any indications reactions those powers.
Please discuss foregoing with Jebb2 FonOff and telegraph results.
Sent London as 1041; repeated Paris as 850; Moscow as 385; Rome as 316; Cairo as 299; and Addis Ababa as 29.